AK HJR44

Alaska Legislature supports continued participation of Alaska Native corporations and entities owned by the state's 229 federally recognized tribes in the SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program for federal contracting

8(a) program participation has created thousands of jobs for Alaska residents, including veterans and rural community members, across industries such as construction, engineering, defense, IT, and health services

Revenue from 8(a) contracts is reinvested in Alaska through shareholder dividends, scholarships, job training, cultural preservation, health care, and infrastructure development

Legislature urges the President, Congress, and SBA Administrator to preserve the program and oppose efforts to restrict or eliminate provisions allowing Alaska Native corporation participation

Resolution affirms support for Alaska Native self-determination and federal trust responsibility under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601), enacted in 1971