Dems Help Vets – Capt. Zero Pouts

So, here’s how Governor Sean Parnell proves to us once again that he and his ilk are no more than bratty middle schoolers, completely unwilling and unable to give credit to anyone for doing anything unless they are on the same ideological team. Of course in politics, it’s natural to play up your own good deeds. But this, my friends, is actually embarrassing.

I’m going to show you a little press release that came from Sean Parnell’s office. I’m going to highlight the people who are Republicans in red, and those who are Democrats in blue. Ready?

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Governor Signs Representative Gatto’s Final Bill

June 18, 2012, Palmer, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell today signed legislation sponsored by the late Representative Carl Gatto. House Bill 56 adds first and second degree arson to Alaska’s conspiracy statute, providing stronger deterrents to committing arson. Under HB 56, if arson is committed, the conspiring arsonists can be charged with arson and conspiracy, rather than just arson under the current law.

Governor Parnell signed HB 56 at the Palmer Fire Station with members of the Mat-Su legislative delegation, the Palmer and Anchorage Fire Departments, and the Mayor of Palmer.

“HB 56 is part of Representative Gatto’s indelible legacy,” Governor Parnell said. “This bill reminds us of his work in emergency services and his unwavering commitment to ensuring local departments had the resources needed to keep communities safe. HB 56 resulted from his 25 years as an Anchorage firefighter and paramedic, and his time in public office working for Alaskans.”

Governor Parnell also signed House Bill 136 (__________)which provides corporate income tax credits to employers who hire veterans. The legislation also requires the Division of Motor Vehicles to provide a veteran designation and United States flag replica on a state issued identification card or driver’s license of a veteran. This provision sponsored by Representative Dan Saddler, both honors our veterans and eliminates the burden of carrying additional paperwork such as copies of discharge papers when seeking certain benefits.

A third piece of legislation, House Bill 129, was signed into law. HB 129 provides copies of a death certificate to families of a deceased veteran at no charge.

The governor also signed legislation designed to better prepare Alaskan communities for disasters. House Bill 366, carried by Representative Eric Feige, creates an intra-state mutual aid system that enables communities to collaborate before disasters strike. It allows local governments to arrange operation details in each other’s jurisdictions. This will produce quicker and more efficient disaster responses.

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Who sponsored SB136, you may be asking?  An awesome legislator who also happens to be a Democrat.

How daaaaaare he.

The (_______) that the governor didn’t mention was none other than Senator Bill Wielechowski, the sponsor of SB136. We know this is true from the photographic evidence, and real live witnesses, and public record.

Now, for contrast, let’s look at the press release from Senator Wielechowski’s office:

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New Law Will Help Create Job Opportunities for Unemployed Veterans

Senate Bill 136, which provides tax credits to businesses who hire veterans, becomes law

ANCHORAGE-Senate Bill 136, which provides income tax credits to Alaskan businesses that hire unemployed Alaskan veterans, was signed into law today.  SB 136, sponsored by Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage), provides a $2,000 credit for each veteran hired who works at least 1,560 hours within a 12-month period, or approximately 30 hours a week. The bill also includes a $3,000 tax credit for hiring a disabled veteran, and $1,000 tax credit for the seasonal hiring of a veteran if that person is employed for 500 hours or more for three consecutive months.

“Many of these of veterans have done two or three deployments, if not more,” said Senator Wielechowski. “They are willing to risk their lives to defend our nation. Now, it is our job to make sure veterans returning to civilian life get the support they need so they can land on their feet, make a decent living and support their families.”

Despite many employers acknowledging the advantages of hiring someone who has served in the Armed Forces, veterans continue to see higher than average unemployment rates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 12.1 percent of post-9/11 veterans were unemployed in 2011. That number grows even worse, with 30.1 percent of veterans between the ages of 18 to 24 unemployed during the same time period. That’s compared to a national rate of unemployment of 8.1 percent.

“I would like to thank my colleagues in the Legislature for their support of this bill,” said Senator Wielechowski. “This legislation shows our appreciation for the men and women who put their lives on the line to serve and protect us.”

Senate Bill 136 also includes a provision sponsored by Rep. Dan Saddler to allow the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to add the word “veteran” and a United States Flag insignia to state drivers’ licenses or identification cards signifying the holder’s status as a veteran, and would allow the DMV (with the permission of person) to share that information with the state’s veterans benefit office. This reliable and convenient proof of a veteran’s status on state-issued identification cards will help them more easily enjoy the full range of personal, business and social benefits offered to them by a grateful state.

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Oh. My. God.  Senator Wielechowski actually mentioned the name of a Republican and the press release did not burst into flame! He actually gave …(wait for it)…credit to someone who earned it! He was honest, and gracious, and fair. Amazing.

And in case you were wondering, the reference to “a third piece of legislation” that ensured families of veterans would not have to pay for a copy of their loved one’s death certificate, came from Rep. Max Gruenberg, who is also a Democrat, and of whom I am also a big fan.

Is it really too much to ask that a man who is bound to represent all Alaskans regardless of their political affiliation, and who also claims to care about veterans and their families, actually use the name of the person who lead the charge for this legislation? I hear that there are men and women in the service who are (gulp) Democrats. Would the governor only care about honoring the service of soldiers who are Republicans? He certainly doesn’t seem to respect those Democrats who fight for veterans in the legislature.

Is it too much to ask for the end of this ridiculous, petulant, juvenile behavior in the governor’s office? Is it too much to ask that our governor and his staff act like… what’s the word… grown ups? Apparently, yes.

And don’t think this is an isolated incident. If you’re a Democrat and  have the audacity to sponsor really awesome legislation, expect to have your knuckles rapped and get sent to the corner while the Republicans bask in the limelight. Just ask Johnny Ellis about his film tax credit bill, and Hollis French about his crime bill and Bill Wielechowski on his sex trafficking amendment to the governor’s bill.

Basically, Governor Parnell, you’re the kind of boss everyone hates. We’ve all seen the type, and no one likes it.

So, pass this on to your friends and colleagues who have served their country. Remind them that in Alaska, part of the reason they may believe that the Republicans are the only ones that supports our troops, is because the Republican in the governor’s mansion is purposefully deceptive with the information he chooses to share with them. Not very respectful of veterans, or legislators who work hard to support them.

At least for another few years, we are stuck with someone for whom this kind of bitchy, transparent immaturity is what passes for leadership.

In the meantime, we can be grateful to those like Senator Wielechowski, and Representative Gruenberg, AND their Republican counterparts who support our men and women in uniform.

~The awesome Senator Bill Wielechowski (Democrat) at the podium talking about the bill he sponsored to help our veterans. “Others were present.”

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