Governor Palin 4 President

Governor Sarah Palin today expressed great dismay over President Obama’s proposed budget cuts for Fiscal Year 2010.
The president proposes to cut millions from missile defense funding and to reduce spending for the Denali Commission and the Village Safe Water program.
“These budget cuts add up to about half of 1 percent,” Governor Palin said. “But while they do little to put brakes on the exploding federal deficit, they hit Alaska hard. I join our congressional delegation in their determination to see that Alaska’s unique challenges and its key role in national defense are not overlooked.”
The Obama budget would cancel a second missile defense field at Fort Greely and freeze the number of interceptors being deployed there.
“This is an outrageous move at a time when North Korea has shown its willingness to flout international sentiments and conduct missile tests,” Governor Palin said. “America needs a strong missile defense, and Alaska’s strategic location is invaluable in protecting the nation.”
The president’s proposed cuts also would weaken the Village Safe Water program, which has been key in reducing health risks through improved sanitation in some of Alaska’s poorest villages. Similarly, cuts to the Denali Commission eliminate job training programs in some of the most impoverished areas in the United States, eliminate village health clinics, and eliminate clean-up efforts for waste threatening water supplies.
Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell expressed concern about the Obama administration’s proposed reduction in oil and gas exploration incentives. “That would have the effect of maintaining our dependence on foreign sources of energy, which is contrary to the president’s stated objective. The higher energy costs for every citizen amounts to a tax on everyone. I hope the president will reconsider.”

http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1822

Governor Palin traveled to the Interior today to survey areas ravaged by the worst ice jam flooding in decades. The governor was joined by Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director John Madden. Weather permitting, the governor will meet with village leaders at Fort Yukon, and fly over Eagle & Circle.
On Wednesday, Governor Palin declared a disaster for the flooding event in the Interior of Alaska, including the drainages of the Yukon, Kuskokwim and Kobuk rivers. The disaster declaration will allow greater coordination among state agencies and provide easier access to state disaster relief funds. The declaration will also pave the way for receipt of federal funds from a possible federal disaster declaration.
The State Emergency Coordination Center Preparedness Level has been increased to Level 4: The center’s operations occur in response to a major life-threatening or property-damaging event.
Given the severity of the flooding, Governor Palin has decided not to attend several events scheduled on the East Coast.
“Alaska is experiencing the worst ice jam flooding in recent history,” Governor Palin said. “I am committed to do everything I can to help this region recover quickly. I appreciate the efforts of the Division of Homeland Security getting the necessary supplies to those in need.”

Full Article At:
http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1821