Juneau - On the eve of war in Iraq Sen. John Cowdery (R-Anchorage) has introduced a bill, which will make Permanent Fund Dividend rules more equitable for Alaskan men and women that defend our nation.

Cowdery said need for action was brought to his attention when he was informed that one of his constituents, a Naval Reservist was denied a dividend check because he was out of the State for more than 45 days, following a 10-month deployment overseas.

"Alaskans not in the military can go out of State for 180 days and still get a PFD," said Cowdery. "If you put yourself in harms way by serving your country, when you get back you are only allowed 45 days out of State or you lose your PFD. What an unjust and sloppy way of saying thank you to our State's military men and women."

Senate Bill 148, if passed, would afford our reservists and guardsmen the same 180-day absence afforded every other Alaskan, regardless of how long they serve on active orders.

"We must support our troops," said Cowdery. "At the very least we must show our Alaskan military men and women that we appreciate them by affording them the same rights and benefits of all other Alaskans and stop punishing them for their service by denying them a PFD check."

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