Alaska State Legislature
News from the Senate Majority

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
716 West 4th Avenue, Suite 510
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Phone: 907/258-8184
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: (800) 478-6540

Senator Ward to Represent Alaska on the NCSL Executive Committee

For Immediate Release: August 14, 1998 Contact: Senator Jerry Ward at (907) 258-8183.

Anchorage – Calling it a terrific opportunity to educate other states on Alaska and American Native issues, Senator Jerry Ward announced he was recently named to serve on the Executive Committee for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Forty legislative members chosen from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the United States territories and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico serve on the NCSL Executive Committee charged with setting policy for the organization.

"I am honored to represent Alaska and members of the National Council of Native American Legislators (NCNAL) who supported my nomination for this position. I hope by serving on the executive committee, I can ensure Alaska and Native American Issues will have a strong voice within the organization."

According to Ward, Navajo Senator John Pinto from New Mexico nominated him so that Native American issues will be represented in NCSL’s governing body.

NCSL was founded in 1975 to advance the effectiveness, independence and integrity of the legislatures as equal coordinate branches of government. The organization fosters interstate cooperation and represents states and their legislatures at the federal level. Finally, NCSL works for the improvement of the processes and operations of the state legislatures; the knowledge and effectiveness of individual legislators and staffs; and the encouragement of the practice of high standards of personal and professional conduct by legislators and staffs.

Ron Snell, Division Director of NCSL said the organization is delighted Senator Jerry Ward will be serving on the Executive Committee.

"It has always been important for our organization to have an Alaskan serve on the committee because Alaska has a unique perspective among the 50 states," said Snell. "Senator Ward’s affiliation with both Alaska and the NCNAL helps our organization to ensure there is representation from all parties, all regions, and all backgrounds."

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Broadcast Note: Radio actualities from Senator Ward are available by calling 800/478-6540.
= Jerry Ward, 18 K = Jerry Ward, 47 K = Jerry Ward, 36 K