January 07, 2008
Monday

(SitNews) - The United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA) Board of Directors has selected Senator Lisa Murkowski as "Person of the Year in Alaska Politics for 2007." The statewide fisherman's umbrella association, composed of representatives from 37 fisheries trade organizations, cited Senator Murkowski's exemplary work on behalf of Exxon Valdez oil spill plaintiffs as one of the most significant efforts on behalf of Alaska fishermen in 2007.

"Senator Murkowski introduced the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Tax Relief Act and was able to get this measure attached to the Senate version of the Farm Bill of 2007 through dedicated work. With plaintiffs from every state, Senator Murkowski was able to draw bipartisan support for the measure, which calls for one-time contribution of up to $100,000 of settlement to retirement accounts, and allows three year income averaging, said UFA President Joe Childers.

"We also feel that in moving this legislation, Senator Murkowski has highlighted the matter of the Exxon Valdez tragedy to the highest levels of government as the issue goes before the Supreme Court., said Childers.

"It doesn't begin to make up for what these families have gone through, but it helps." stated Mark Vinsel, UFA's Executive Director.

This is the second year that UFA has recognized the outstanding contributions to the seafood industry made by Senator Murkowski. Her work in 2005 improved seafood labeling and resulted in the public's ability to better discern whether they were purchasing wild or farmed seafood products.

Source of News:

United Fishermen of Alaska
www.ufa-fish.org

 

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