Legislature(2023 - 2024)GRUENBERG 120
02/28/2023 01:00 PM House MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR4 | |
| HB76 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HJR 4 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 76 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS
February 28, 2023
1:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Stanley Wright, Chair
Representative Laddie Shaw
Representative Ben Carpenter
Representative George Rauscher
Representative Dan Saddler
Representative Cliff Groh
Representative Andrew Gray
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4
Honoring the Alaska-Korea relationship; and celebrating the 70th
anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United
States and the Republic of Korea, the 70th anniversary of the
Korean Armistice Agreement, and the 120th anniversary of the
first Korean immigration to the United States.
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 76
"An Act relating to pay for the Alaska State Defense Force; and
providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HJR 4
SHORT TITLE: HONORING THE ALASKA-KOREA RELATIONSHIP
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) MINA
02/08/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/08/23 (H) MLV, STA
02/28/23 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 76
SHORT TITLE: PAY FOR AK DEFENSE FORCE
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/15/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/15/23 (H) MLV
02/28/23 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HJR 4.
SEUNG MAN SANG, Consul/Head
Korean Consulate
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony in support of HJR 4.
CRAIG CHRISTENSON, Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner/Adjutant General
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
JBER, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Joined for discussion on behalf of the
Alaska State Defense Force in support of HB 76.
BOB ERNISSE, Director
Division of Administrative Services
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
JBER, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Joined for discussion on behalf of the
Alaska State Defense Force in support of HB 76.
SIMON BROWN, Brigadier General
Alaska State Defense Force
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
JBER, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Joined for discussion on behalf of the
Alaska State Defense Force in support of HB 76.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:00:13 PM
CHAIR STANLEY WRIGHT called the House Special Committee on
Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
Representatives Shaw, Rauscher, and Wright were present at the
call to order. Representatives Sadler, Groh, Carpenter, and
Gray arrived as the meeting was in progress.
The committee took an at-ease from 1:00 p.m. to 1:01 p.m.
1:01:58 PM
HJR 4-HONORING THE ALASKA-KOREA RELATIONSHIP
CHAIR WRIGHT announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4, Honoring the Alaska-Korea
relationship; and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Mutual
Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of
Korea, the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement,
and the 120th anniversary of the first Korean immigration to the
United States.
1:02:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, presented HJR. She explained that the joint
resolution commemorates many different anniversaries, but the
significant focus in 2023 is on the relationship between Korea
and Alaska. The proposed joint resolution commemorates not only
the seventieth anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between
the U.S. and the Republic of Korea but also the seventieth
anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement which came forth
upon the ending of the Korean War. The resolution also
acknowledges and celebrates the one hundred and twentieth
anniversary of the first Korean immigration to the U.S. She
noted that during the Korean War, over 1.8 million American
troops fought, including over 2,500 Alaskans, and the resolution
honors much of this service between South Korea and the U.S. in
terms of military cooperation.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA continued to explain that the state of
Alaska plays a pivotal role in Korean relations due to the
proximity to the Korean peninsula.
1:05:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA noted that the Republic of Korea Air Force
participates in exercise RED FLAG-Alaska, which is a joint
aerial combat training exercise held by the U.S. Air Force and
additionally, last year, Korean Navy ships arrived in Anchorage,
Alaska, for the first time as part of the Republic of Korea Navy
cruise training. She stressed the "great relationship" between
the two countries' militaries. On the economic partnership,
South Korea is Alaska's strongest trade partner, and she noted
the various items that are traded. Over 7,000 Korean Americans
live in Alaska, run small businesses, and are community leaders.
There are many churches in Anchorage and many festivals
celebrating the Alaska and Korea relationship.
1:08:10 PM
CHAIR WRIGHT noted he had been aboard a Republic of Korea naval
ship, and being a fellow Seaman, commended them on keeping a
"clean ship." He invited questions from the committee.
1:08:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked for clarification on if the U.S.
and Korea currently stand at an armistice, but not a formal
ending to the Korean War. He further commented it is important
to maintain good relations in case things should "heat up
again."
REPRESENTATIVE MINA replied she would like to shift his question
over to Seung Man Sang.
1:09:47 PM
SEUNG MAN SANG, Consul/Head, Korean Consulate, explained that
the Korean War ended with a cease fire agreement in 1953, but a
peace treaty is required to formally end the war. The countries
are still in the "war situation" in legal terms.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER stated he would like to hear more from
Mr. Sang about the value of HJR 4 and what it means to his
country.
MR. SANG responded that in addition to all the things
Representative Mina had already covered here, it is a milestone
in looking back at relations, and it would be honorable and
symbolic to acknowledge U.S. and Korea's long-standing and
special relationship and continue to develop relationships into
the future.
1:12:34 PM
MR. SANG began his testimony. He explained he would like to
speak briefly on the Korea/U.S. and Korea/Alaska relationship.
He stressed the importance of remembering the Korean War he
referred to as the "forgotten war," and that the Korean War is
the starting point for U.S. and Korea alliance. He also noted
that Korea has transformed from an aid recipient to an aid giver
for the first time in history, and he expressed his belief that
this shows that the U.S. and Korea alliance is one of the most
successful ones in the world. He explained in 2012 the
countries entered into a Free Trade Agreement that contributed
considerably to the economies of each country, and a ten-year
anniversary was celebrated last year.
1:16:04 PM
MR. SANG emphasized the Korean air cargo carriers are still
operating at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and he
reiterated Korea's participation in RED FLAG-Alaska, as noted by
Representative Mina. All things considered, he urged the
committee to adopt HJR 4.
1:18:09 PM
CHAIR WRIGHT thanked Consul Sang and invited questions from the
committee.
1:18:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY expressed surprise that the first Korean
immigrants were in 1903, and questioned the reason why there
were none before then.
MR. SANG replied that in 1903, about 102 Korean farmers
immigrated to Hawaii under a "contract base," and this led up to
the immigration to the U.S.
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY asked if there are any other states honoring
this year's anniversary.
MR. SANG replied other states are considering the resolution.
1:21:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER recalled his travels to Korea during its
National Day when all the sirens went off and civil defense
drills were taken, and he realized the risk under which the
Republic of Korea exists. He spoke about the benefit and
necessity of international treaties that allow countries to
exist in peace, and create an umbrella security to which
economic relationships can prosper. He asked Mr. Sang where he
sees the economic relationship going between Korean and Alaska.
MR. SANG replied since 2018 Korea had been largest trading
partner with Alaska, and Alaska has huge potential in terms of
natural resources. Currently, the items of trade between Korea
and Alaska are the marine products, but this can be expanded.
He requested a platform be installed to discuss trade
cooperation and promotion between Korea and Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER mentioned the possible importation and
storage of carbon dioxide (CO2).
MR. SANG expressed keen interest in the carbon industry and felt
Representative Saddler's ideas would be "in the right
direction."
1:25:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER reflected on Representative Saddler's
previous comment on the Korean War having no end, but a formal
end to the war being agreed upon. He asked Mr. Sang if there
was truth to this.
MR. SANG replied that as far as he knows, the armistice
agreement was signed in 1953 by North Korea, China, and the
United States.
1:26:46 PM
CHAIR WRIGHT opened public testimony on HJR 4. After
ascertaining there was no one who wished to testify, he closed
public testimony.
CHAIR WRIGHT announced HJR 4 was held over.
1:27:39 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 1:27 p.m. to 1:28 p.m.
1:28:33 PM
HB 76-PAY FOR AK DEFENSE FORCE
CHAIR WRIGHT announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 76, "An Act relating to pay for the Alaska State
Defense Force; and providing for an effective date."
1:28:49 PM
CRAIG CHRISTENSON, Deputy Commissioner, Alaska Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs, stated the discussion would be
around removing a statement from current statute. He provided
an explanation of the Alaska State Defense Force (ASDF) and its
being part of Alaska's Organized Militia, but said that if ASDF
are brought in for training, currently there is no mechanism to
pay the members like the other members of state organized
militia. He stressed this is not about paying members for
drill, but for uncommon instances that will allow them to be
paid for their training.
1:33:54 PM
CHAIR WRIGHT asked if this would be "mission critical" to have
this training, and if so, why?
MR. CHRISTENSON brought up an example referencing water
purification - the systems required being unique - and he said
if a large storm took out communication, ASDF may be the only
means of communication and assistance in more rural villages.
Training is key to all of that.
1:35:00 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW pointed out the white paper having a request
for $2.1 million, but the fiscal note is zero. [Both documents
are included in the committee packet.]
MR. CHRISTENSON replied that the white paper referenced the
budget requests. He referred the question to Mr. Ernisse.
1:35:51 PM
BOB ERNISSE, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, replied that
HB 76 doesn't ask for additional funding, but is asking for the
opportunity to pay members when they are in training or
volunteer status.
1:36:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY asked whether there is any drill pay.
MR. CHRISTENSON replied unless they are placed on state active
duty for an event such as a disaster, everything is volunteer.
The bill does not include asking for drill pay.
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY asked if this is analogous to National Guard
Title 32 orders.
MR. CHRISTENSON replied yes, ASDF could always do training in a
volunteer status and that would allow them to be paid for the
training.
1:37:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER noted it may be helpful for a brief
overview of the Alaska State Defense Force to be given to the
public.
MR. CHRISTENSON informed the committee that Mr. Brown is in the
audience and asked that he come up and speak. He provided a
brief introduction to Mr. Brown.
1:38:35 PM
SIMON BROWN, Brigadier General, Alaska State Defense Force,
directed his reply to Representative Saddler. He explained that
ASDF was originally the Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG) and its
responsibility at the time was to guard the entire coastline of
Alaska with approximately 6,000 members. Now known as the
Alaska State Defense Force, the primary responsibilities are to
respond to emergencies throughout the state and the majority are
not state declared emergencies; they are in small communities
and an example is Typhoon Merbok in 2022. He explained there
are ground forces present throughout the small communities, and
their familiarity with the area and citizens give them the
ability to respond immediately.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked what the total enrollment
membership is and how they are distributed.
MR. BROWN replied approximately 200 at this time and his goal is
to have 5-person teams in communities throughout the state.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER referred to the language on page 1 of the
bill and asked for clarification on the training portion.
1:42:20 PM
MR. CHRISTENSON replied that currently in statute, the Alaska
Naval Militia, the Air National Guard, and the Army National
Guard can be paid for any state active duty, but it does not
cover community service - this being why ASDF is trying to
remove the exemption.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER observed that is a very specific carve-
out, and asked why that specific exemption was included for
training and community service in the first place.
MR. CHRISTENSON replied that he does not know the reason, but it
was decades ago.
1:44:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER pointed out the fiscal note being
indeterminate, and it is unclear how many people would be
activated and the number of times. He inquired if
administrative or ceremonial functions qualify for active
service.
MR. CHRISTENSON replied that community events such as parades
are not considered for paid state active duty.
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER stated he was thinking about the
processing and headquarter elements that go with bringing in new
recruits into an organization, and he asked if these
administrative functions qualify for state active duty.
MR. CHRISTENSON replied the intent was not to bring people into
state active duty to do routine paperwork. This state active
duty request is specifically for more specialized training.
1:47:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER acknowledged that HB 76 illuminates the
prohibition of payment for training, which had been explained,
but asked for a description of the community service portion.
MR. CHRISTENSON replied that an example of community service
could be traffic management at large events such as an air show.
1:49:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GROH stated that he saw the structure of ASDF Mr.
Christenson had laid out, and he questioned where the
headquarters are located and if there are any personnel in his
hometown of Anchorage.
MR. BROWN replied that battalion headquarters are located in
Wasilla, Alaska, the scout brigade headquarters are in Bethel,
Alaska, and the sustainment brigade is in Kodiak, Alaska. He
stated some of his staff reside in Anchorage, Alaska.
1:50:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY referenced back to a former statement that
volunteers do not get paid for drill, and asked how often they
drill.
MR. BROWN replied they drill 2 days every month.
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY asked if [the bill] would authorize pay for
drill.
MR. CHRISTENSON responded that drill is considered training;
however, there would be a significant fiscal note and a budget
ask so the intention is not for drill itself to be paid.
REPRESENTATIVE GRAY asked if the intention is to pay for
"special training" and not drill.
MR. CHRISTENSON relayed that the Department of Military &
Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) felt it best to leave the options open
and not limit the type of training. The department also does
not have a fiscal note to pay for drill - but rather that it
would allow pay for training.
1:54:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER wanted clarification for the record that
the bill does not seek to provide payment to ASDF members for
the 2 day per month drill, and that ASDF members do not qualify
for retirement.
MR. CHRISTENSON confirmed that is correct - ASDF members are
only eligible for worker's compensation according to statute,
but not eligible for retirement or any other typical state
benefits.
1:56:37 PM
CHAIR WRIGHT opened public testimony on HB 76. After
ascertaining there was no one who wished to testify, he closed
public testimony.
CHAIR WRIGHT announced HB 76 was held over.
1:57:13 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting was
adjourned at 1:57 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HJR 4 Sponsor Statement 2.22.23.pdf |
HMLV 2/28/2023 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 4 |
| HJR 4 Letter of Support - Song 2.22.23.pdf |
HMLV 2/28/2023 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 4 |
| HJR 4 Letter of Support - Consulate of Korea 2.22.23.pdf |
HMLV 2/28/2023 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 4 |
| HJR 4 Version A 2.22.23.PDF |
HMLV 2/28/2023 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 4 |
| HB 76 Fiscal Note MVA-COM 12.22.22.pdf |
HMLV 2/28/2023 1:00:00 PM |
HB 76 |
| HB 76 Additional Information Relating to ASDF 02.13.2023.pdf |
HMLV 2/28/2023 1:00:00 PM |
HB 76 |
| HB 76 Additional Information Relating to the ASDF 02.15.2023.pdf |
HMLV 2/28/2023 1:00:00 PM |
HB 76 |
| HB 76 Supporting Document 02.14.23 Alaska State Defense Force Pay TL House.pdf |
HMLV 2/28/2023 1:00:00 PM |
HB 76 |
| HB 76 Version A 2.15.23.PDF |
HMLV 2/28/2023 1:00:00 PM |
HB 76 |
| HJR 4 Letter of Support - Getty 2.27.23.pdf |
HMLV 2/28/2023 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 4 |