newsminer.com

Two Interior legislators boycotted the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce reception for lawmakers last night in Juneau.

Reps. Scott Kawasaki and David Guttenberg, both Fairbanks Democrats, said they don't believe in the chamber's partnership with Wal-Mart and the message it sends to small businesses in Alaska.

The chamber paired with Wal-Mart to host legislative receptions, according to a letter to state chamber leader Wayne Stevens, signed by Guttenberg and Kawasaki and Reps. Harry Crawford and Bob Buch, Anchorage Democrats.

"Since the Chamber has made the decision to partner with Wal-mart we have chosen not to attend the event," the letter states. "We believe the Chamber is sending out the wrong message to small businesses in Alaska.

"Wal-mart has a long held practice of opposing the prganization of employees and denying benefits of employment like overtime, health insurance and leave time. Wal-Mart has created an economic vacuum in many communities, causing small volume businesses to close their doors permanently."

Many interests host receptions and dinners for lawmakers while the Legislature is in session in Juneau.