Defending Alaska: The Fight for Fair Cost of Living Allowance, 1951-05-28

Governor Ernest Gruening of Alaska is advocating for the continuation of a 25 percent cost of living allowance for federal employees in Alaska, as living costs in Alaska are significantly higher than in the continental United States. He argues that discontinuing the allowance would create a colonial-like system, undermine national policies, and lead to higher costs for the government due to increased turnover rates and recruitment expenses. Gruening urges action to rectify the proposed discontinuation of the allowance to maintain stability in Alaska and prevent discrimination against resident Alaskans.