newsminer.com

Six House members have joined the Bush Caucus. Rep. Reggie Joule, D-Kotzebue, is chairing the group, which is focused on addressing challenges faced by rural Alaska, especially the high cost of energy and the economic well-being of Bush communities. Rural Alaska issues, especially the high costs of energy and reports that people are having to choose between paying for heat and food, seem to be on many priority lists in Juneau right now. Other members are Reps. Richard Foster,D-Nome, Bill Thomas, R-Haines, Woodie Salmon, D-Chalkyitsik, Bryce Edgmon, D-Dillingham, and Bob Herron, D-Bethel. Others were invited to join the caucus, and six did so today. They include some key House leaders: John Harris, R-Valdez, Joint Legislative Council chair and former Speaker; Kyle Johansen, R-Ketchikan, Majority Leader; Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau, Minority Leader; Peggy Wilson, R-Wrangell, Transportation Committee Chair; Alan Austerman, R-Kodiak, and Cathy Munoz, R-Juneau. The caucus is sponsoring a forum tomorrow, Feb. 3, with the Alaska Federation of Natives, First Alaskans Institute and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.