Legislature(2009 - 2010)CAPITOL 106
04/11/2009 08:00 AM House STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR31 | |
| SB72 | |
| SB58 | |
| HB106 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 58 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 72 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 106 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HJR 31 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 58-MARMOT DAY 9:52:09 AM CHAIR LYNN announced that next order of business was SENATE BILL NO. 58, "An Act establishing February 2 of each year as Marmot Day; and providing for an effective date." The committee took an at-ease from 9:53:01 AM to 9:54:03 AM. 9:54:27 AM MICHAEL ROVITO, Staff, Senator Linda Menard, Alaska State Legislature, introduced SB 58 on behalf of Senator Menard, prime sponsor. He said the proposed legislation would establish February 2nd of each year as Marmot Day, thereby creating a localized, Alaskan version of Groundhog Day. Mr. Rovito opined that the Wooley Marmot, abundant in Alaska, embodies the state's natural beauty. MR. ROVITO pointed out that by creating Marmot Day, Alaska would have a new tradition. He emphasized the importance of traditions and symbols to a state. He spoke of the state's population and the number of students in Alaska, and opined, "Establishing traditions for these residents and students is important legislation." Mr. Rovito talked about the unique features of Alaska, and opined that a Marmot Day holiday would "uphold that uniqueness." Furthermore, he suggested, activities and events that would promote tourism could be stylized around Marmot Day. He named some supporters of SB 58, including the Alaska Zoo and the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) School District. MR. ROVITO relayed that when he moved to Alaska from Ohio, he was impressed with the abundance of marmots and how amazing the creature is. He urged the committee to support SB 58. 9:57:23 AM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON said he presumes that since there is a zero fiscal note, the proposed legislation would not establish a new state holiday. SENATOR LINDA MENARD, Alaska State Legislature, speaking as the prime sponsor of SB 58, answered that is correct. She noted that Alaska has only been a state going on 50 years, thus other states that have existed for up to 230 years are ahead of Alaska in having symbols and traditions. She recognized that the legislature addresses vital issues; however, as a certified teacher who has served on a school board, she indicated how important [SB 58] would be to school children. She listed some other animals that are symbols for Alaska. She noted that almost 20 percent of the population of Alaska is comprised of school children, which Senator Menard explained is why she is promoting "a few symbolic things that we can add to our list." 9:59:42 AM SENATOR MENARD, in response to Chair Lynn, confirmed that the Wooley Marmot is related to wood chuck and ground hog. In response to comments from Representatives Gatto and Johnson regarding any significance that the marmot might have in replacing the ground hog, Senator Menard related that her late husband had held a keen interest in having Alaska "use the marmot instead of the ground hog." She stated, "I think the intention, and what I'm trying to get through, is we have our own unique local hire, and that is the marmot. And so, that's why I chose to keep it at February 2nd." 10:01:37 AM REPRESENTATIVE WILSON said she came to the meeting not liking SB 58, but has since changed her mind. She concurred that [the marmot] is unique and it would be "neat" for Alaskan children to be able to boast that they celebrate Marmot Day rather than Groundhog Day. 10:01:52 AM REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked if the state would prohibit the shooting of the Wooley Marmot if it were to be designated as an official state animal. SENATOR MENARD offered her understanding that Wooley Marmots could still be hunted. MR. ROVITO clarified that SB 58 would not establish the Wooley Marmot as a state animal, but rather it would simply create Marmot Day as a way to "honor" the marmot. SENATOR MENARD noted that the moose is Alaska's official land mammal and it is hunted. 10:03:22 AM CHAIR LYNN, after ascertaining that there was no one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony. 10:03:28 AM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON moved to report SB 58 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, SB 58 was reported out of the House State Affairs Standing Committee.
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