"An Act establishing the Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission; and providing for an effective date."

January 2009 will mark the 50th anniversary of Alaska's admission as the 49th state of the United States of America. It is important the State of Alaska recognize this landmark with a celebration of the state's magnificent heritage and to reflect upon the opportunities that 50 years of Statehood have brought to the state.

The Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission shall consist of 9 members. There shall be 4 public members, of whom one member shall be a resident of and be appointed from each of the four judicial districts in the state. The presiding officer from the Alaska House of Representatives and the Alaska Senate will appoint a majority and a minority member from each body. The governor or the governor's designee will occupy the 9th seat.

The Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission shall plan and administer all official state activities leading up to the 50th anniversary of Alaska Statehood. The commission will initiate a public process to solicit ideas about the celebration.

In addition, the commemorative quarter honoring the State of Alaska will be issued in the same calendar year in which the Alaska Statehood Celebration occurs.

I urge your support of this important piece of legislation.

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