(Juneau) - Today, the Senate appointed Sen. Bert Stedman (R-Sitka) Chairman of the Community and Regional Affairs Committee. The Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee is responsible for reviewing matters relating to Alaska's political subdivisions, ranging from organization of unincorporated areas and municipal boundary changes, to revenue sharing between the State and local governments. The committee is also responsible for overseeing the programs and activities of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.

In recognition of the financial difficulties facing many rural communities in Alaska, the Legislature last session established the Advisory Commission on Local Government. Sen. Stedman spent the interim serving on this commission studying the causes of the municipal difficulties, exploring the role of state government in financing local services and developing solutions. The Commission is scheduled to deliver its findings to the full legislature this January.

Recommendations from the Commission will be referred to the Community and Regional Affairs Committee. Appointment to Chair the Community and Regional Affairs Committee ensures that Sen. Stedman will be able to keep these issues on the front burner so they can be dealt with this session.

"The Community and Regional Affairs Committee is charting the future of this state by addressing issues that matter most to our citizens. Our State coffers are full but many communities are facing tough times. We need to take a hard look at innovative revenue sharing plans and decide how best to assist both organized and unorganized communities," said Sen. Stedman.

"Through this chairmanship Senator Stedman is in an excellent position to have influence and oversight of policy and legislation that impacts rural Alaskan communities," said Senate President Ben Stevens.

Sen. Stedman also serves on the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Resources Committee, and the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee. Additionally, Sen. Stedman is the Chairman of four Senate Finance Subcommittees - the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development, Department of Law, Department of Revenue, and the University of Alaska.

Sen. Stedman represents Senate District A, which includes the Southeast communities of Ketchikan, Sitka, Wrangell and Petersburg.

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