1998-17 Smart Start for AK's ChildrenKODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
RESOLUTION NO. 98 -17
Introduced by: Mayor Selby
Requested by: Governor Knowles
Drafted by: Governor's Office
Introduced: 04/16/98
Adopted: 04/16/98
A RESOLUTION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
IN SUPPORT OF SMART START FOR ALASKA'S CHILDREN
WHEREAS, Alaskans share a common goal of safe, healthy children and strong
families; and
WHEREAS, thousands of children in Alaska's working families do not have basic
health care coverage; and
WHEREAS, Alaska has one of the worst rates of child abuse and neglect in the
country, according to the Child Welfare League of America; and
WHEREAS, expanded health care coverage and effective prevention programs have
combined in other states to help reduce child abuse and neglect rates; and
WHEREAS, SMART START FOR ALASKA'S CHILDREN, an initiative announced by
Governor Tony Knowles in his November 1997 State of the Child Address, proposes
to invest $32 million to expand health care coverage to 1 1,000 children and 1,000
pregnant women, to fund proven prevention programs that will help break the cycle
of abuse and neglect, and to provide swift and forceful intervention to protect children
in peril; and
WHEREAS, a change in the federal funding formula for Medicaid in Alaska has freed
up $31 million in state funds, and another $ 1 million is available from the increased
state tax on snuff and chewing tobacco, thereby giving Alaska a unique opportunity
to help its children; and
WHEREAS, SMART START FOR ALASKA'S CHILDREN has been described by the
State Commissioner of Public Safety as one of the best crime prevention packages
ever proposed in Alaska;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND
BOROUGH that the SMART START FOR ALASKA'S CHILDREN initiative is supported.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK
ISLAND BOROUGH that state policy makers, including the administration and the
legislature, are urged to work together to help Alaskans reach a shared goal of safe,
healthy children and strong families.
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
Resolution No. 98 -17
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ATTEST:
ADOPTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
THIS SIXTEENTH DAY OF APRIL, 1998
CI-)
nna F. Smith, CMC /AAE, Borough Clerk
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska
KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
Gar - L. Ste ens, Presiding Officer
Resolution No. 98 -17
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