Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
02/08/2022 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB156 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 147 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 145 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 156 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 148 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SB 156-PROHIBIT COVID-19 VACCINE DISCRIMINATION
3:32:37 PM
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD announced the consideration of SENATE BILL
NO. 156 "An Act relating to COVID-19 immunization rights; and
relating to objection to the administration of a COVID-19
vaccine."
She recapped the bill section by section. [The sectional
analysis may be found on BASIS.]
3:35:58 PM
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD opened public testimony on SB 156.
3:36:29 PM
ANTHONY [FISCHER] RAGO, representing self, Juneau, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 156. He recounted his medical issues
chronologically after receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. In March
2020, he contracted COVID-19 and fully recovered. A year ago his
employer mandated that employees be vaccinated against COVID-19.
After receiving his first COVID-19 dose, Lot number EN9581, on
February 11, 2020, he experienced diarrhea, and he was bleeding
by the end of the week. In an office visit, his primary care
doctor indicated he had an adverse reaction to the vaccine,
recommended he not proceed with the series, and provided him
with a note.
MR. RAGO said his symptoms persisted. He had a colonoscopy, was
diagnosed with colitis, and received three rounds of steroids.
He was asked to get the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine during a
procedure, although he begged and pleaded [with his employer]
not to have it administered. After a second colonoscopy
performed at Virginia Mason, he was diagnosed with Crohn's
disease. He offered his view that the second vaccine aggravated
his symptoms. In the past year he lost 35 pounds, cannot work,
is no longer enrolled in school, and his family has suffered
financial difficulties. He said this is not a sustainable
lifestyle. No one is being held accountable for his medical
issues.
3:39:24 PM
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD asked if his former employer helped after
mandating the COVID-19 vaccinations.
MR. RAGO replied that his employer supplied an airline ticket to
Seattle. He requested financial assistance when he gave notice,
but his employer responded that he lacked proof that his health
issues were caused by the vaccines and they wouldn't help.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD asked whether he had any prior
gastrointestinal (GI) problems.
MR. RAGO answered no. He said he has no history of GI-related
conditions, especially not Crohn's disease. He has never
suffered GI issues that persisted for more than a day or two.
3:40:32 PM
SENATOR HOLLAND asked whether his employer was in the public or
private sector.
MR. RAGO answered private sector.
SENATOR HOLLAND asked whether Crohn's disease is a chronic
disease.
MR. RAGO answered yes. His medical providers recommended two
monthly injections, which cost approximately $5,000 per shot. He
said his doctors recommended he receive these medications for
the rest of his life.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD asked whether the injection was a monoclonal
antibody.
MR. RAGO responded that he received HUMIRA injections, but he
cannot afford them.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD said she was interested because she
previously worked for a pharmaceutical company.
SENATOR HOLLAND related his understanding that Crohn's disease
is an autoimmune disease and the injections attempt to keep the
body from attacking itself.
MR. RAGO answered that is correct.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD thanked him for his testimony.
3:42:38 PM
KELLY FISHLER, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. She said supports the bill for two reasons.
First, she planned to open a tourism-related business serving
the cruise industry in March 2020, but she did not open it as
intended. She did not want to discriminate against customers
based on their immunization status. She hoped that future
business owners would not have to do so. Second, she said she is
a US Navy and US Army Air National Guard veteran. As members may
know, the military requires immunizations for active-duty
service members. She stated that she had had minor adverse
reactions to smallpox and anthrax vaccinations.
MS. FISHLER said she had a bad reaction to an inter-muscular flu
shot she received in 2017 while on a temporary military
assignment at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER). Everyone
in her unit received the flu shots on the same day. At the time,
she experienced a heart rate of over 200 beats per minute for
about 20 to 25 minutes. She wondered if she would die and never
see her nine-month-old daughter again. She decided that she
would not get the COVID-19 vaccine. She highlighted that she
could not receive benefits, services, or patronize businesses
because she was unwilling to risk her health. For example, one
athletic fitness center will not allow people to attend classes
unless they are immunized against COVID-19. She said she was
unwilling to risk her health. As important as fitness is to her,
she decided to go somewhere else. She offered her view that it
is unethical for a business to require her to undertake a risk.
Even if people were compensated for adverse reactions to
vaccines, the medical professionals, the US Department of
Veterans Affairs, or employers do not suffer the symptoms;
instead, the people and their families must shoulder this
burden.
3:46:10 PM
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD stated that the COVID-19 vaccinations were
developed in a short timeframe without the benefit of data. She
surmised that about 22,000 people have died, and over a million
people have experienced adverse reactions to COVID-19
vaccinations.
3:47:53 PM
KELLY NASH, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. She stated that as a sole proprietor she has
not been forced to vaccinate but acquaintances have, or they
have resigned from their employment. People are no longer
accepting of the public health emergency that was enacted April
30, 2021. COVID-19-19 has been propagandized. Alaskans should
not be required to vaccinate. The shedding of the COVID-19 virus
happens from the vaccinated to the unvaccinated. Nurses who are
COVID-19 positive are working in hospitals. Legislation should
not be necessary to protect people's rights and bodies.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD stated her belief that there is an executive
order but opined that having it in statute is important.
3:50:57 PM
KENDAL CRUSE, representing self, Palmer, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. She stated she is a mother and healthcare
provider who supports SB 156. There is consensus in the medical
industry that COVID-19 vaccines do not stop transmission.
Vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals transmit equal amounts
of the virus.
MS. CRUSE said that in August she was fired for refusing to
vaccinate even though she had worked through the pandemic,
transitioned to a remote position, and had both religious and
medical exemptions. Although her work is entirely remote, her
current employer required a signed acknowledgement that she is a
potential life-threatening risk to others. She questioned why
unvaccinated workers must sign documents to stay employed when
it has been established that vaccinated and unvaccinated
healthcare workers transmit equal amounts of the virus.
MS. CRUSE testified that her daughter experienced life-
threatening reactions from vaccination and that her daughter
should not be vaccinated. Her daughter's pediatrician refused to
provide a medical exemption for vaccinations. The only
universally accepted exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine is
anaphylaxis from a COVID-19 vaccine injection. Exemptions were
written into law to be utilized but they are nothing but
arbitrary. Alaska needs to stop the unscientific and political
acceptance of discrimination and segregation. Exemptions should
be accepted, and civil rights upheld.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD said that was intense testimony and asked
her to email the doctor's name to her directly or the committee.
3:56:21 PM
SARAH DAVOLL, representing self, Kodiak, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156 on behalf of a friend, Roman Russo. She
related that last year her friend was shocked when he read an
editorial in the Kodiak newspaper that suggested vaccine
apartheid by taking away the rights of unvaccinated people to
work, travel, attend school or participate in public activities.
Last week, the FDA approved Spikevax, a vaccine not yet proven
to protect against Omicron. Recent data shows that a person
vaccinated for COVID-19 is just as likely to catch and spread
the disease as an unvaccinated person. Therefore, vaccine
mandates are discriminatory against people who chose to not be
injected with a product that does not stop the spread, while
allowing vaccinated people to enjoy their freedoms as they
continue the spread. Legislation is the way to stop the insane
threats to Alaskans' freedoms.
MS. DAVOLL said she empathizes with the testifiers who have
experienced vaccine injuries. She stated her aunt was diagnosed
with lymphocytic colitis that resulted in a colostomy bag. Her
doctor refused to submit her vaccine reaction to the Vaccine
Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD said a lot needs to be investigated because
these reactions are real. She said the committee is listening.
3:59:55 PM
PAMELA SAMASH, representing self, Nenana, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. She stated pharmaceutical companies do not
assist people who experience adverse reactions to vaccinations.
Furthermore, Pfizer admitted to Dr. Anne Zink that it plans to
influence free speech through social media and advocate for the
removal of doctors' licenses who do not promote its vaccines.
She stated it is unfortunate that a law is needed to afford
Alaskans' God given freedoms. Alaska supported medical freedom
in the past and it should continue to do so by not requiring
COVID-19-19 vaccination. Village clinics are refusing medical
interventions to patients who have not received three COVID-19
vaccinations. Senator Ron Johnson's five-hour panel revealed one
million people have experienced side effects or death from the
COVID-19 vaccination. No other vaccine with that many side
effects would have been allowed to continue. People have
literally died on television after taking the shot, yet it is
still distributed. Autoimmune reactions and bleeding disorders
in nursing babies and miscarriages are among reported side
effects. An entire generation of people have been lost through
miscarriages caused by the COVID-19 vaccination. This is a
violation of the Nuremberg Code and crimes against humanity.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD requested the Pfizer information mentioned
be sent to her office.
4:03:20 PM
MICHAEL RYAN, representing self, North Pole, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 156. He stated he supports what other
testifiers have said. It is time to end the charade.
4:04:16 PM
JAMIE FAGAN, representing self, Kodiak, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. He said mandates are antithetical to the
freedoms this country was founded on. Unelected health
bureaucrats should not be allowed to dictate what individuals
inject into their bodies. The following countries have announced
an end to all COVID-19 mandates: England, Spain, France,
Switzerland, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands,
Finland, Lithuania, and Italy. He stated the issue is about
freedom versus authoritarianism. He quoted from a John Hopkins
University study that said, "We find no evidence that lockdowns,
school closures, border closures, and limited gatherings have a
noticeable effect on Covid mortalities." The claim that triple
vaccination would be 98 percent effect at stopping the spread of
COVID-19 has been disproven. He rhetorically asked how mandates
would help stop the spread of COVID-19 if vaccines do not stop
people from catching or transmitting the disease
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD commented that Alaska is still in a public
health emergency, for no justifiable reason other than money.
She stated that Commissioner Crum received that power from House
Bill 76; it was for public welfare.
4:07:06 PM
KAREN PERRY, representing self, Chugiak, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. She imagined that most members of the
committee would oppose the bill, and reminded them that they
took a sworn oath to uphold the state constitution. That
includes Art. I, Sec. 22, which expressly safeguards the Right
of Privacy. She read,
The right of the people is recognized and shall not be
infringed.
She said exemptions are not necessary because it is in the
Constitution of the State of Alaska. She said she appreciates
and supports the bill because it reiterates this right. On
behalf of "We the people" she demanded the committee vote yes on
SB 156. As a side note, she advised that the term "vaccine" was
a misnomer in this context. A vaccine is supposed to prevent an
individual from getting a disease, but that has not happened
with COVID-19. People who have received multiple jabs still get
sick. Furthermore, she said the mandate completely disregards
natural immunity. She encouraged everybody to stand up for the
right to medical freedom and medical privacy and advocated for a
roll call vote on the bill. She concluded that if the bill
reaches the floor, she and many others will be watching.
4:09:33 PM
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD cautioned against crossing the line. She
stated her belief that most members of the committee support the
bill and she hopes it reaches the finish line. She clarified
that Alaska is an opt-in state so there are some statutes that
provide protection. She said unfortunately the CDC changed the
definition of "vaccine" in 2015 and 2021, but the definition in
state statute has not changed.
4:11:12 PM
ROD PERRY, representing self, Chugiak, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. He urged the committee to hold a roll call
vote in favor of protecting his life, liberty, private
healthcare information, and vaccine status.
4:12:27 PM
IRENE QUEDNOW, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 156. She stated her view that private citizens
and entities were never required to submit their medical
information before they could enter restaurants, stores, be
employed, or be eligible for medical transplants. It is
unconstitutional and against Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) regulations to ask these
questions. She compared it to someone asking patrons if they had
undergone a colonoscopy in the past six months before they could
enter a grocery store. She supposed that most people would be
appalled because this information is private. She said it is
against the law for employers, lodge owners, assembly members,
or senators to mandate treatment or require people to provide
information about their medical treatment, such as a vaccine.
She stated that only a patient's private physician has the
medical authority to make those requests. She stated her view
that requiring a vaccine passport was discrimination. She
expressed concern that no one talks about accepting natural
immunity, only the vaccine. She said she hopes that members vote
in favor of the bill.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD agreed with her testimony.
4:15:19 PM
CANDY MILLER, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. She reported that a relative's spouse died
two weeks after taking the Pfizer vaccine in Alaska. Several
friends had severe reactions that either occurred immediately or
months later causing debilitating conditions. Luckily, some of
them were recovering from their symptoms. Through her prayer
group connections, she learned that some people lost their jobs
because they were denied religious exemptions. She expressed
gratitude for websites providing information on COVID-19 and
listening sessions to obtain the truth about it. She said she
was aware of parental rights being violated when parents of
children in foster care were not offered an opportunity to
decline to have their children vaccinated. She thanked members
for doing everything possible to move SB 156 forward.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD talked about heart-wrenching listening
sessions.
4:18:38 PM
JAMES SQUYRES, representing self, Rural Deltana, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 156. He stated that Alaska should set
an example as a place where the right to life is protected,
including the right to make health care decisions privately
without coercion from employers, schools, the health care
establishment, or the government. He cited Art. I, Sec. 22 of
the Constitution of the State of Alaska:
The right of the people to privacy is recognized and
shall not be infringed.
MR. SQUYRES stated legislators are sworn to protect Alaskans
from privacy violations; it is an oath of office obligation
pursuant to Art. XII, Sec. 5 of the state constitution.
MR. SQUYRES took a moment to pitch his support for SB 119, Oath
of Office bill. He stated that he hopes the bill makes it to the
Senate State Affairs Committee soon for consideration. He
refocused on SB 156, stating Alaskans should never be coerced to
reveal personal health care information or vaccine status;
neither should Alaskan's fear loss of income, employment,
services, travel, or other services for refusing to reveal
medical information.
4:20:08 PM
DANIEL HARRINGTON, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 156. He stated that the sponsor's
office asked him to relay his story. He is in his early 60s, is
asthmatic, and diabetic. He knew he had COVID-19 when he was
unable to breathe so he sought medical care at Providence
Hospital. He testified that Providence denied him medical
treatment because he refused to be vaccinated. He was denied
oxygen for six hours as well as water and a restroom. He stated
that he was put in a closet with a glass wall which was adjoined
to another room. He was repeatedly offered the vaccine but was
not offered medical treatment. He demanded to be released from
the hospital and was able to survive without medical care using
boost-in-a-can oxygen and over-the-counter medication. He said
it took 10 days to find a doctor with the courage to help
because he was unvaccinated.
MR. HARRINGTON stated that the Hippocratic Oath needs to be made
real legislation with some "teeth" to it. He expressed a belief
that the healthcare system leverages medical care against a
person's willingness to be vaccinated. He emphasized that he
will never get the vaccine. He referenced SM102 and said it is a
poison contained in the vaccine. Mr. Harrington reiterated his
support for SB 156.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD stated that Providence not only denies
hydroxychloroquine, but also refuses treatment to those who
refuse the vaccine. She questioned the hospital's motivation for
denying treatment to patients who refuse the vaccine and for
pushing the COVID-19 vaccination.
MR. HARRINGTON opined that Providence should be held accountable
for refusing to offer medical treatment, especially to someone
at death's door.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD agreed that people need to be held
accountable. She advised him to channel his energy positively.
4:26:28 PM
LOUIS IMBRIANI, representing self, Eagle River, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 156. He drew attention to the COVID-
19 monthly update that was released in January. It indicated a
35.7 percent breakthrough rate for vaccinated individuals for
November/December In December alone the breakthrough rate was 47
percent. Omicron surfaced in December, so vaccine breakthroughs
occurred prior to the arrival of that variant.
MR. IMBRIANI said the COVID-19 vaccine has a great individual
impact, but the social and community impact is less than
anticipated. Unlike the polio and smallpox vaccine, COVID-19
does not halt the virus. The virus remains transmittable, so it
fails to have the desired social impact.
MR. IMBRIANI stated that he supports SB 156 because it keeps
with the country's anti-discrimination and progress tradition.
It is a step in the right direction and a return to the
principles this country was founded on: the right to privacy,
the right to liberty, the right to the pursuit of happiness, and
that all are created equal.
4:28:39 PM
DUSTIN DARDEN, Candidate for U.S. Senate, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 156. He stated that this bill will:
crush the tyrannical dictate of a biological-warfare
injection which was created to cull the world's
population by a global eugenic program by individuals
like Klaus Schwab, Bill Gates, The World Economic
Forum, the United Nations, the Communist Chinese, and
those alike.
MR. DARDEN stated that all federal, state, municipal and locally
elected government officials who have coerced, bribed,
intimidated, or blackmailed a person to take the COVID-19
vaccine, will be held accountable. He stated that SB 156 answers
many prayers to stop the tyrannical mandates of employers,
hospitals, and establishments that coax someone to take the jab.
Mr. Darden called on all to cease and desist all methodologies
to coerce the vaccine; it is not right.
MR. DARDEN relayed a documented incident which occurred at a
Boys and Girls Club this past December. A public health advisor
and nurse offered twelve-year-old children $50 to be vaccinated.
This was funded through the state of Alaska/Alaska Chamber of
Commerce. He described this as clear coercion, a crime against
humanity, and a conspiracy against human rights. He noted that
the maximum penalty for a conspiracy against rights is death.
MR. DARDEN advised against the vaccine, but expressed his belief
that Jesus can heal those who were vaccinated.
4:32:54 PM
SHERRY STRIZAK, representing self, Chugiak, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. She stated that she is an air traffic
controller at Merrill Field. She prefers to keep her medical
affairs private, so she submitted a religious exemption for all
medical interventions, COVID-19 or otherwise, on November 8,
2021. For the past three months, she has been placed on absent
without official leave (AWOL) status because she refused to
mask, test, or vaccinate. She related that she would show up for
work, refuse to wear a mask, and be sent home. She wanted to
work, so she did not submit leave slips and was put on AWOL
status. In December 2021, she was suspended for 10 days because
she was AWOL for more than five days, even though she showed up
for work each day. Today she received notice that she will be
removed from federal service unless this is resolved. She
requested a reasonable accommodation, which has been denied. The
FAA failed to show the cost analysis of any accommodation. In
addition, she was denied further up the chain of command. She
stated that she is currently in the federal Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC) process. She said she is looking
for legal assistance because she anticipates that she will be
fired. She stated that she is a veteran, having served in the US
Air Force for from 1990 to 1999, and she has worked for the FAA
since 2001. She was slated to retire in July 2022 but that is
not likely to occur. She expressed concern that she would lose
her benefits. She stated her intention to see this through
because she believes in the right to speak up for herself, all
Alaskans, and United States citizens.
MS. STRIZAK relayed that her aunt got COVID-19, recovered, and
later received a COVID-19 vaccine. She suffered from severe
blood clots in her leg about a month to three months after
receiving the vaccine. Her left leg was amputated. This is one
reason she refuses the vaccine. She stated that she believes
patients have the right to make decisions on all medical
interventions, including vaccinations. She recalled meeting
Senator Reinbold at Bed and Breakfast in Eagle River when she
refused to wear a mask. She spoke in support of SB 156.
4:36:23 PM
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD said that testimony increases her conviction
to protect individual liberties. An individual should not have
to choose between a job and a big pharma vaccine. It is
fundamentally wrong. She said that some physicians estimate up
to 50 percent of people get the D-dimer test post COVID-19
vaccination due to the unprecedented number of problems caused
by the vaccine. Historically, she said this vaccination would
not have made it to market without long-term safety trials and
20 percent efficacy. She said state and federal law is on your
side. She urged Ms. Strizak to reach out to her office for help.
4:37:54 PM
MICHAEL POTTS, representing self, North Pole, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 156. He asked for the penalties for violating
provisions of this bill.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD stated that the bill does not have any
penalty provisions at this time.
MR. POTTS acknowledged that the sponsor knows the magnitude of
the problems with the COVID-19 vaccine, besides the privacy
issues regarding vaccinations. He offered his view the COVID-19
vaccines have led to deaths. He encouraged the sponsor to use
the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Prevention Vaccine
Tracking SYSTEM (VTrckS). He reported 1,091,142 adverse events
in the system, which has led to 23,342 deaths worldwide. He
related that Steve Kirsch reviewed the CDC data and concluded
that the CDC figures should be multiplied by 41.
4:40:54 PM
MR. POTTS cautioned that if SB 156 is almost pointless if it
does not have any "teeth" for those willing to challenge the
rights of Alaskans. He suggested that state employees who
violate someone's right to choose not to be vaccinated should be
removed from their positions and subject to civil penalties. He
surmised that if asked, the CDC would say nobody has died, but
their database says otherwise. He speculated that the CDC
refuses to look at the numbers because the numbers are alarming.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD said she would consider the penalty
suggestion.
4:43:07 PM
FRANCESCA ALLEGREZZA, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 156. She expressed concern that there
is no informed consent or data in the vaccine inserts for people
to review, including contraindications. She offered her view
that the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce incentivized
vaccinations in September and October [2021]. She referred to a
report on COVID-19 breakthrough by month for Alaska residents
older than age 12. She cited statistics, including that in
January, there were 2,001 COVID-19 cases with a breakthrough
rate of .01. In February, there were 2,948 cases of COVID-19
with a breakthrough rate of 1.6 percent. She remarked that a
huge uptick occurred during September [2020] and October [2020]
when vaccinations were incentivized. She reported that there
were 19,891 COVID-19 cases in September with 7,000 breakthrough
cases. In October [2020], there were 18,008 COVID-19 cases with
6,970 breakthrough cases. She concluded that the vaccines were
not doing what they were supposed to do, as shown by the number
of breakthrough cases.
MS. ALLEGREZZA expressed concern that people were being
discriminated against for making a choice for their bodies. She
related that her doctor would no longer see her as a patient
because she would not wear a mask or get vaccinated. When she
tried to pick up her medical records, she was not wearing a
mask. Medical personnel refused to provide her medical records
and escorted her from the hospital. She said, "Say no to drugs"
should also apply to vaccinations.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD said informed consent is federal law.
4:47:06 PM
GAIL LIMBAUGH-MOORE, representing self, Soldotna, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 156. She related her personal story
of being hospitalized in December 2020 and again in December
2021. She compared the staff between her two visits and
characterized the latter as battle weary. She stated that
doctors missed apparent medical issues. She suggested that
someone should create some laws and rules to ensure that doctors
and staff can get back to being doctors and nurses.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD thanked her for her testimony.
4:48:51 PM
SONDRA TOMPKINS, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 156. She stated that she is a nurse, a former
military officer, and a mother of two young men. She has worked
as a vaccine researcher for 17 years and she believes that the
term immunization is highly misleading because it implies
immunity. When someone is vaccinated, immunity is assumed. Few
people receive the information they need to know unless they are
involved in clinical trials. The data shows that up to 10
percent of people who receive vaccines are considered primary
non-responders. This means that no matter how many times they
are vaccinated, they will never develop immunity. She stated
that her family had COVID-19 in September 2020. Her son is on
immunosuppressants and must have tests to check his liver
function about four times per year. She also decided to analyze
his COVID-19 antibodies. She discovered that he still has
natural immunity 17 months after getting COVID-19. She wondered
if it was more problematic for people to get vaccinated after
contracting COVID-19. She advocated for more recognition of
natural immunity. In closing, she said that she refuses to
discriminate against anyone for any reason as a business owner.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD asked her to stay in touch with her office.
She gave a shout out to Senator Holland who introduced an
amendment on the Senate floor relating to natural immunity.
4:51:20 PM
SENATOR HOLLAND expressed his desire to let the public fill the
time and not focus on his efforts.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD responded that she held the gavel and she
was giving credit where it was due.
4:51:52 PM
JORDAN HARARY, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 156. He stated that SB 156 was introduced to
remind citizens and government that the government in this
country was founded on the premise of supporting citizens in
governing themselves. He posited that government should seek
ways to lessen its power and influence and never purposefully
enlarge itself. He maintained that mandates related to masks and
vaccines represent a large step in the other direction and are
unconscionable. He stated support for the bill but recommended
it be amended to address future epidemics. It should prohibit
discrimination based on vaccine status regardless of the
disease, criminal or financial penalties should be attached to
give "teeth" to the legislation, and enforcement should be
retroactive to find bad actors who enforced bad policy.
4:54:17 PM
DONALD THOMPSON, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 156. He recited an excerpt from a statement by
U.S. Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin who maintained that the
vaccine "was causing multiple deaths and diseases and many
injuries." Mr. Thompson offered his belief that not only
Alaskans but citizens across the country support this idea and
that it was therefore necessary to pass the bill to enforce
citizen rights.
4:55:48 PM
SENATOR HOLLAND shared that he had the document from Senator Ron
Johnson. He noted that members of the military are being tracked
in an epidemiology database to look at reactions to the COVID-19
vaccine. It reports the increases in 2021 for the following
medical conditions: 2,000 percent for hypertension, 1,000
percent for diseases of the nervous system, almost 900 percent
for malignant neoplasm of the esophagus, almost 700 percent for
multiple sclerosis, 625 percent for malignant neoplasm of the
digestive organs, and 487 percent for breast cancer, among many
others.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD asked for that information to be part of the
official record for this committee.
4:57:12 PM
ELAINE HEDDEN, MSPT, representing self, Eagle River, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 156. She stated that she has been a
physical therapist for more than 20 years and in late March and
early April last year she began seeing bizarre symptoms in some
patients in the lymphatic system, the neurologic system, and the
cardiovascular system. For example, one patient received the
Johnson and Johnson vaccine on April 1 and knew something was
not right within 24 hours. On April 13 the patient was unable to
walk due to pain in the pelvic area and her inguinal lymph nodes
were enlarged. The patient attempted to report this to the
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) but was
unsuccessful. Another patient received the second Pfizer shot
and three weeks later she experienced central vision loss. An
MRI showed no lesions. This patient is recovering slowly but
refuses to get a booster. In fact, four out of five of her
patients who received the vaccine refuse to get more because of
adverse symptoms.
MS. HEDDEN reported that from 2012 to 2019 Pfizer dropped from a
$74 billion company to a $41 billion company and was on the
brink of going out of business. Thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine
it was an $84 billion company in 2021. She called this
ridiculous and voiced total support for SB 156.
5:00:14 PM
ANTONIA HAGEN, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. She thanked the sponsor for standing up for
Alaskans' rights and fighting the mask mandates. She related
that when she was in Juneau she too struggled with the mask
mandates. Despite having a medical exemption, she was
discriminated against when she wanted to enter municipal
buildings and was told she would be denied entry to assembly
meetings. The Capitol building was closed to the public and she
felt closed out of the process. She said she supports this
legislation but believes it is absurd that it is needed because
Alaska citizens' rights are already protected by the
Constitution of the State of Alaska. She agreed with the
suggestion to add "teeth" to the bill, posited that Nuremberg
2.0 had begun, and voiced support for the Canadian truckers.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD advised that the committee only had the room
until 5:30 p.m., so it would be helpful if everybody tightened
their testimony.
5:04:10 PM
EDWARD MARTIN, representing self, Kenai/Soldotna, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 156. He highlighted that those who
have sworn to uphold the U.S and Alaska constitutions have sworn
to uphold the right of privacy under the Constitution of the
State of Alaska. He said we can look at the U.S. Constitution
and whether or not a state can deprive any person of life,
liberty, or due process. He said Jacobs [no citation] says a
municipality and state can do certain things, but that was about
a $5 fine or $158 in today's money. He questioned how many jobs
will be lost because of the deprivation of rights under the
color of law through mandates that in most cases have not been
legislated. He thanked the sponsor for introducing the bill. He
added that putting "teeth" in the bill is a simple as inserting
a statement that says, "This bill is in support of individual
rights to take civil action upon violations."
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD thanked him for fighting for individual
liberties.
5:07:01 PM
BERT HOUGHTALING, representing self, Big Lake, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 156. He voiced support for the right to choose
whether or not to get the vaccine. He emphasized that employers
should not be allowed to hire, fire, or charge additional fees
to any Alaskan based on vaccine status. He shared that he is
neither for nor against the vaccine but he is against government
forcing people to get the vaccine or lose their job or enter a
place without proof of vaccination. He described himself as
fortunate to not live in Juneau because it has restrictions
similar to those in New York City. People cannot go anywhere
without a vaccine card or proof of a recent negative test. He
maintained that this was just the newest form of discrimination
by people who brought the KKK, Jim Crow, stood against what
Martin Luther King stood for, and was on the wrong side of the
Civil War, among other examples. He agreed with previous
testimony that the bill needs "teeth" that includes consequences
for those who infringe on constitutional rights.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD said she believes there will be amendments
that address concerns with the bill.
5:09:06 PM
LISA GENTEMANN, representing self, Eagle River, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 156. She stated the reasons for her
support include 1) health information needs to remain private
unless the person in question gives their permission; 2) this is
not a real vaccine because it does not provide immunity from a
disease and the COVID-19 injection does not do so; 3) the
injection has caused severe physical problems such as heart
inflammation, neurological damage, and death. She emphasized
that no Alaskans who choose to not subject themselves to these
risks should be discriminated against. She said she has heard of
other vaccines that were halted after 50 deaths and questioned,
"What's up with this one?" She maintained that Alaskans should
be allowed to rely on natural immunity and asked listeners to
let Commissioner Crum know that receiving federal money is not
worth risking the health of Alaskans. She opined that all
manufacturers and people who advise others to take the injection
should be held personally accountable for adverse reactions. She
emphasized the need to protect members of the military from
further injury from this injection. These adverse reactions have
reduced military readiness and releasing military personnel who
have refused to receive the injection has made the country more
vulnerable to outside attacks. She emphasized the need to
protect the health and lives of precious Alaskans.
5:12:17 PM
RONALD DOWNEY, representing self, Chugiak, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. He stated that he is a father and a 40-year
Alaska resident who supports SB 156 but believes it does not go
far enough. He agreed with the suggestion to add a retroactive
provision that includes sanctions. He shared that he is a
specialized neurologist and his wife is a microbiologist, and
they have seen the incredible strength and resiliency of the
human immune system. He stated his belief that there should be a
political solution. What is happening in Alaska right now is on
the brink of rendering the state no longer the Great Land. He
opined this has occurred through betrayals of the chief medical
officer. He said the issue goes beyond COVID-19 and rises to
subjugation of the citizenry, which he believes is a broad
global agenda. He concluded that SB 156 represents a modicum of
the pushback that is needed to shut down this large agenda. He
mentioned earlier testimony from the air traffic controller and
opined that this issue is a powder keg and SB 156 or similar
legislation may well be the match that strikes the fuse.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD said all the testifiers should to feel free
to supplement their testimony by email.
5:16:49 PM
CRAIG DOWNING, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 156. He said there has been tons of testimony
over the last two years about the lies the public has been told,
the suppression by the media, and inaccurate data on the adverse
reactions. He expressed hope that legislators would see that
this is not about a conspiracy; the vaccine is an effort to cull
the herds.
5:17:57 PM
DENNIS WADE, representing self, Homer, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. He stated that he and his wife support the
bill because mandates are unconstitutional and immoral.
5:19:04 PM
BETTY MACTAVISH, representing self, Kodiak, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. She stated that she is a teacher who has not
been in the classroom since the school closed on March 12, 2021.
She emphasized that she would have no part in masking children
or separating them. It is a direct violation and it meets the
Amnesty International definition of torture. Alaskans are being
forced to choose between employment and education and anyone who
is forced to get an immunization or injection is experiencing an
assault on their body. She read the definition of assault from
the Webster dictionary and said it is a criminal offense that
can be prosecuted. She urged the committee to pass SB 156.
5:20:35 PM
MATTHEW CAMPBELL, representing self, Soldotna, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 156. He stated that his family moved to
Soldotna after being exposed to lockdowns in a large city and to
enjoy the natural beauty and free spirit of Alaska. He directed
attention to the website globalcovidsummit.org for anybody who
is interested in the underlying concerns and why many people
have chosen to decline the COVID-19 vaccine. It shows that over
17,000 doctors and medical scientists worldwide signed a
document outlining a strong medical and scientifically based
case for not vaccinating. He said our system of government is
based on the right of the individual and the limited delegated
constitutional authority of the government. In addition, the
standard of medical ethics is based on informed consent. He said
opinions on the vaccine may differ but everybody should agree on
these core moral principles. He emphasized that the government
does not have the right to impose vaccine mandates, and the
Supreme Courts largely agrees. He pointed out that while the
federal executive mandate was mostly struck down, residual
mandates from schools, businesses, and employers remain. To the
argument that a private business may do as it wishes, he asked
if a business is able to discriminate based on race, force
customers to adopt a certain religion, or force customers to
undergo any other medical procedure. The answer of course is
"No" because that is not the sphere of business. These matters
are up to the individual or the parent or guardian of minors. If
businesses are able to mandate these things they must be held
accountable for any injuries. Finally, he counseled that anybody
who has suffered injury after being coerced to take a
vaccination, or been denied medical treatment, been fired from
their jobs should retain an attorney who agrees only to be
compensated based by a percentage of the winnings of the
lawsuit. He urged the committee to pass SB 156 to protect
individual rights and the freedoms of Alaskans.
5:23:47 PM
LILAHLEE BORLAND, representing self, Palmer, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 156. She stated agreement with most of the
previous testimony and offered her belief that SB 156 was a good
bill. It addresses vaccine mandates but does not go far enough
to address mask mandates, lockdowns, or accountability. She
questioned trusting the state epidemiology office to handle
COVID-19, mentioned not being able to visit loved ones in a
facility, and related that she was denied access to a child for
eight months based on unscientific mandates. She said nobody is
being accountable for the damage that is being done to children
and she would like the bill to address that. She maintained that
in America today there is government-sanctioned hate and
segregation based on masking and vaccine status and a lack of
trust in the medical community. She urged passage of SB 156.
5:27:06 PM
CORT NEFF, representing self, Kodiak, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 156. He related that a number of people in Kodiak
had approached the school board and given overwhelming testimony
against face masks. They were told that the way to get rid of
them was to vaccinate children. He opined that SB 156 would help
do away with that type of blackmail.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD commented that kids are suffering.
5:27:59 PM
CAILA BUERGER, Owner, Alaska Probiotics, Juneau, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 156. She stated that she started this
business in 2017 to support microbial gut health, nervous system
support, immune support, body detox, and overall holistic
wellbeing. She explained that she focuses on the use of plant
medicines, medicinal mushrooms, and probiotics to support the
immune system that is bound to the gut flora and to calm the
nervous system.
MS. BUERGER shared that many of her customers have divulged
their battles with health conditions. Many cannot wear a mask or
take vaccines. She understands that her customers need
alternative support systems and have begun the journey of
exploring health and wellness outside of Western medicine. She
emphasized that Alaska Probiotics will not comply with mandates,
does not condone discrimination, and will never turn anyone
away. It is and will remain a business rooted and grounded in
health, wellness, and medical freedom for all people. She stated
support for SB 156 and urged anyone who has found their hospital
treatment unsatisfactory to report it to the hospital human
resources office and request their charts and nurse notes.
5:30:56 PM
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD expressed appreciation for the testimony and
advised that the committee had run out of time today. She asked
anyone who did not get an opportunity to testify to send their
comments to her directly, to senatestateaffairs@akleg.gov, or
the next committee of referral at senate.HSS@akleg.gov. She
expressed her desire to incorporate some of the suggestions into
the bill as it moves through the process.
VICE CHAIR REINBOLD held SB 156 in committee.