News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: April 10, 1997 Contact: Senator Rick Halford 907/465-4958

Halford Files Resolution Calling for Regional Corporation Audits

Juneau -- SJR 28 was introduced in the Senate today by Senator Rick Halford (R - Chugiak). Halford's resolution calls for Congress to conduct a multi-year federal audit of the financial status of the Alaska Native Regional Corporations and their compliance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. SJR 28 has eleven Senate co-sponsors.

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), which established the regional corporations, is the largest and farthest reaching settlement of aboriginal claims in North America. Halford's resolution cites that Alaska Natives deserve accountibility and responsiveness from the regional corporations that were established by Congress to assist them in their bid for self-determination.

"The majority of the corporations are working hard for their shareholders and have nothing to worry about," Halford explained. "In fact a complete audit should help to put some nagging questions to rest. In any case, the shareholders have a right to know."

SJR 28 was referred to the Senate State Affairs Committee.

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