Legislator calls out Palin administration for rural help

February 06, 2009

Rep. Jay Ramras, R-Fairbanks, attacked the Palin administration by saying it isn't providing enough "compassionate aid" or support to western Alaska villages. (Jason Kohler/KTUU-TV)

by Jason Lamb
Thursday, February 5, 2009

JUNEAU, Alaska -- As economic hardships continue in western Alaska, in communities like Emmonak, a political battle has broken out over what is or isn't being done to help out.

Rep. Jay Ramras, R-Fairbanks, attacked the Palin administration by saying it isn't providing enough "compassionate aid" or support to western Alaska villages.

But Gov. Sarah Palin said Thursday that Ramras is simply giving out misleading information and playing politics as usual.

The scuffle is over a bill Ramras introduced Wednesday in the state House, with bipartisan backers.

"In 90 minutes, I was able to get 13 co-sponsors for this compassionate aid bill," Ramras said.

The bill would allow the state to use its planes and vehicles to deliver "compassionate aid," Ramras said. That includes food, water, and other supplies for communities that need it.

"We can address the hunger issue right away with nonprofits and a faith-based effort, but help us by at least providing state transportation assets," Ramras said.

Non-profit organizations have to pay for the transportation to deliver the aid out of the monetary donations they receive, Ramras said.

And when he talked to Palin's chief of staff, Ramras was told that unless the governor declares a disaster declaration, it's not OK to use state-owned transportation to do the job.

"Even Frank Murkowski would have gotten food out to western Alaska, and instead I heard it's illegal," Ramras said. "I just don't have any tolerance for that kind of garbage. That's what we're down here for. There's not one more basic need than to feed Alaskans. I have got little tolerance, and I bet they had a whole lot better dinner at the Alfalfa Club than what they're eating tonight in Emmonak and Kotlik."

Palin fired back in a statement, saying her administration is working cooperatively with the communities, many legislators, Native corporations, and other entities to address the needs in these areas.

"Truly, Alaskans deserve better than that kind of politics as usual," Palin said. "It's unfortunate that the representative sees this as an opportunity to play politics rather than help in the response."

Ramras mentioned the specific issue of using state assets in a press release. He said that while the state did help with a small plane delivering food into Kotlik, he had to battle with a lot of bureaucratic red tape.

Palin said her office plans to continue additional transportation of bulk foods.

Other state agencies say they haven't had a close look at the bill, but that it seems excessive given what the state is already doing.

Contact Jason Lamb at jlamb@ktuu.com

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