Alaska Governor Sarah Palin…signed legislation expanding the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault [on June 23, 2009]. The bill adds a rural representative to the council. It also adds a representative from the Department of Corrections (Domestic Violence, 2009, ¶1).
“As Alaska’s governor, as a wife, mother, and as a woman, I am very aware of the atrocious domestic violence and sexual abuse and exploitation statistics that plague our state,” Governor Palin said. “Objectification contributes to high rates of abuse and exploitation by reinforcing a victim’s belief that he or she has to endure abuse instead of being empowered to break away from it. This council’s expanded efforts can help stop this violence. Together we can stand for what’s right and end abuse in Alaska” (Domestic Violence, 2009, ¶2).
House Bill 63, sponsored by Representatives Anna Fairclough, Lindsey Holmes and John Coghill, adopts membership and employment recommendations of a legislative task force charged with reviewing the effectiveness of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. HB 63 expands the number of public members on the council from three to four; those members cannot be state employees (Domestic Violence, 2009, ¶3).
Commentary
This legislation expands the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault by two people. This means that two appointments are likely forthcoming in the next several days. Since much of this type of violence tends to occur in rural areas where offenders are less likely to be witnessed, the addition of a rural representative was a wise move, as was the addition of a Department of Corrections member.
Governor Palin continues her focus on meaningful legislation that improves the lives of her constituents.
Governor Palin signs domestic violence legislation. (2009, June 23). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved June 23, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1922
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