CONGRATULATIONS, SENIORS

Governor Palin signed SB10, the new Senior Assistance bill, into law today at the Delaney Park Strip in Anchorage during the annual Governor's Picnic (a huge crowd today, far more than last year).

I believe in strong family values - you name the subject, I’m there. Well, Alaska is a family, and respecting our elders and helping seniors meet basic needs is another traditional family value. I’m a proud co-sponsor of this bill. I was also co-sponsor of the amendment that raised the benefits from the original bill, but somehow that got removed from the official record.

Senior benefits, whatever form it takes, shouldn’t have a party label. When a senior tries to make ends meet - or maintain a reasonable lifestyle without robbing their piggy bank, or begging money from their kids - they really don’t care if any of us are Republicans, Democrats, or Hottentots. Seniors only care for basic respect, and receiving the benefits they deserve, without being demeaned in the process - and that’s what this new bi-partisan legislation accomplishes. Thanks to Governor Palin for signing the bill, and congratulations to everybody involved, and especially to seniors!