Sponsor Statement for Senate Resolution 1

Relating to compensation of Holocaust victims and survivors, their heirs, and Jewish communities by the government of Switzerland and the Swiss banking industry

With the introduction of this resolution Alaska is joining a number of other states that are considering or have already enacted legislation to motivate the Swiss government and banking institutions to release information concerning holdings of individuals who became victims of the holocaust, and bring closure to this painful chapter in history.

We recognize that the Swiss government has established two commissions to investigate its wartime dealings with individuals in nazi-occupied Europe and has begun to act towards resolution of this issue. The resolution encourages them to continue with the process of uncovering this information that has been lost for decades. The resolution asks that as this information is revealed, that compensation be made to holocaust survivors and their heirs.

If you have any questions, contact myself or Jeff Midguard of my staff at 3892.

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