Legislature(2017 - 2018)GRUENBERG 120
04/04/2017 01:00 PM House MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB152 | |
| HB178 | |
| HB125 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 178 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 125 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 152 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS
April 4, 2017
1:09 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Chris Tuck, Chair
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux, Vice Chair
Representative Justin Parish
Representative Ivy Spohnholz
Representative Lora Reinbold
Representative Dan Saddler
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative George Rauscher
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 152
"An Act relating to the organized militia; and relating to the
authority of the adjutant general."
- MOVED CSHB 152(MLV) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 178
"An Act relating to recognition of individual veterans along
certain veterans' memorial roads and on certain veterans'
memorial bridges."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 125
"An Act relating to a veteran's designation on an identification
card or a driver's license for Hmong veterans and Lao veterans."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 152
SHORT TITLE: ORGANIZED MILITIA; AK ST. DEFENSE FORCE
SPONSOR(s): MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
03/06/17 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/06/17 (H) MLV, STA
03/14/17 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/14/17 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/23/17 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/23/17 (H) Heard & Held
03/23/17 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
03/30/17 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/30/17 (H) Heard & Held
03/30/17 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
04/04/17 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 178
SHORT TITLE: NAMING PORTIONS OF VETERANS HIGHWAYS
SPONSOR(s): EASTMAN
03/14/17 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/14/17 (H) MLV, TRA
04/04/17 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 125
SHORT TITLE: LAO/HMONG VETERAN DRIVER'S LIC. & ID CAR
SPONSOR(s): TARR
02/15/17 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/15/17 (H) MLV, STA
04/04/17 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID EASTMAN
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Speaking as the sponsor, introduced HB 178
and answered questions.
YUKON DON TANNER
Talkeetna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 178.
DAVE GLENN
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 178.
SUSAN JONES
(No address provided)
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 178.
ROBERT DOEHL, Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of amendments and
answered a question during the hearing of HB 178.
MIKE LESMANN, Legislative Liaison
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing of HB
178.
MARK NEIDHOLD, Chief
Design and Construction Standards
Division of Statewide Design and Engineering Services
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing of HB
178.
REPRESENTATIVE GERAN TARR
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Speaking as the sponsor, introduced HB 125
and answered questions.
PASERT LEE
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 125.
WILSON VANG
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in Hmong, translated to English
by Seng Her, in support during the hearing of HB 125.
XAISHOUA VANG
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in Hmong, translated to English
by Seng Her, in support during the hearing of HB 125.
TONGLOU VANG
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in Hmong, translated to English
by Seng Her, in support during the hearing of HB 125.
XIAGE VANG
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in Hmong, translated to English
by Seng Her, in support during the hearing of HB 125.
MAI XIONG
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 125.
SAIVIT VONGRATSAMY
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in Lao, translated to Hmong by
Pasert Lee, then translated to English by Seng Her, in support
during the hearing of HB 125.
SAMAK VONGVILAY
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in Lao, translated to Hmong by
Pasert Lee, then translated to English by Seng Her, in support
during the hearing of HB 125.
ROBERT DOEHL, Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 125 and answered a question.
VERDIE BOWEN, Director
Veterans Affairs
Office of Veteran Affairs
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 125 and answered questions.
MAI RAMIREZ-XIONG
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Speaking on behalf of her father, testified
in support during the hearing of HB 125.
BEDY XIONG
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 125.
ZOUNEE YANG
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 125.
LUCKY XIONG
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HB 125.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:09:33 PM
CHAIR CHRIS TUCK called the House Special Committee on Military
and Veterans' Affairs meeting to order at 1:09 p.m.
Representatives Tuck, Spohnholz, Reinbold, Saddler, Parish, and
LeDoux were present at the call to order.
HB 152-ORGANIZED MILITIA; AK ST. DEFENSE FORCE
1:10:26 PM
CHAIR TUCK announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 152, "An Act relating to the organized militia;
and relating to the authority of the adjutant general."
REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD said she was not informed of the
deadline for submitting amendments to HB 152.
1:12:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX moved to report HB 152, as amended, out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal notes.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER objected.
1:12:46 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Spohnholz, LeDoux,
Parish, and Tuck voted in favor of HB 152. Representatives
Saddler and Reinbold voted against it. Therefore, CSHB 152(MLV)
was reported out of the House Special Committee on Military and
Veterans' Affairs by a vote of 4-2.
1:13:16 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 1:13 p.m. to 1:16 p.m.
HB 178-NAMING PORTIONS OF VETERANS HIGHWAYS
1:15:44 PM
CHAIR TUCK announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 178, "An Act relating to recognition of
individual veterans along certain veterans' memorial roads and
on certain veterans' memorial bridges."
1:16:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID EASTMAN, Alaska State Legislature, informed
the committee he was approached by local veterans seeking a way
to further recognize veterans in each of the six veterans'
memorials throughout the state. He directed attention to a
document provided in the committee packet which was a picture of
the Veterans' Highway memorial in the Matanuska-Susitna region.
He described the existing memorial as generic and said the bill
would recognize particular veterans for their service.
Additional comments on the bill have been heard from local
veterans, the Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs (DMVA),
and the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
(DOTPF); a [committee] substitute for HB 178 is forthcoming.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER observed there are over 72,000 veterans
living in Alaska and asked why it is more appropriate to name
memorials for certain veterans - and thereby exclude others -
rather than to honor all veterans by memorial roads or bridges.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN acknowledged there is room for a balance
between a generic and an individual recognition of veterans;
under this proposal, the names of memorial highways would remain
unchanged, but at various points along, or adjacent to, the
highway there would be an opportunity for individual recognition
for a period of three to five years.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked how the temporary designation would
be accomplished.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN explained local and official veterans'
organizations would submit names for consideration by the Alaska
State Legislature; after legislative commendation, veterans
would be eligible for individual recognition. Representative
Eastman further explained legislative commendation would occur
by a citation passed by the House and Senate, and subsequently
DOTPF would implement the placement of markers along veterans'
memorials.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER restated his question regarding the
temporary designation.
1:22:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ pointed out the sponsor statement
indicates the cost of signage would be funded by gifts,
donations, and grants received by DOTPF and/or DMVA; however,
these departments do not have the capacity to raise funds.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN advised veterans' organizations would
collect and solicit donations for the project. [HB 178] would
give DOTPF the authority to accept funds and would allow DMVA to
direct donors to a certain account managed by DOTPF.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ questioned whether [DMVA's] state
government web site would direct donors to contribute to a
private organization.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN said no. The bill gives DOTPF the
authority to collect and receive funds for this specific
purpose.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ asked whether veterans' organizations
have committed their support for the legislation.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN indicated yes, and their testimony is
forthcoming.
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH posited a situation in which a veterans'
organization raised money for the recognition of a certain
veteran; in this case would DMVA direct said funds to the
individual, or would the funds go into a "common pot" to be
distributed between all the honored veterans.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN stated the intent of the proposed
legislation is to allow donors to contribute to "that account,"
or one of the six current memorials should they choose to do so.
1:26:17 PM
CHAIR TUCK opened public testimony on HB 178.
1:26:55 PM
YUKON DON TANNER informed the committee he is a Navy veteran.
Mr. Tanner said HB 178 is another step forward in honoring
veterans by placing the names of selected veterans on a signpost
in designated [transportation] corridors. Although there are
concerns with the bill, he opined all concerns can be addressed
in an efficient way and urged for passage of the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether Mr. Tanner is aware of any
veterans that veterans' organizations seek to nominate for
special distinction.
MR. TANNER said he did not at this time. In further response to
Representative Saddler regarding his affiliations, Mr. Tanner
said he is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW),
in Talkeetna and a member of [American Legion] Post 35 in
Wasilla.
1:29:04 PM
DAVE GLENN informed the committee he is a Vietnam veteran. Mr.
Glenn expressed his belief the proposed legislation is an
extension of the recognition of veterans that began with the
dedication of the Mat-Su Veterans' Highway. He said he is a
life member of VFW, a life member of Vietnam Veterans of
America, and a member of the [MAT-SU Veterans' Foundation] in
Wasilla. Mr. Glenn directed attention to a document from
[Deputy Commissioner Robert Doehl, DMVA] [document not provided]
and opined the intent of the legislation is to comply with all
established rules, policies, and regulations currently in place.
In addition, there is precedent for the legislation along the
Seward Highway Dowling Road overpass. He affirmed the funding
would be on a volunteer basis and provided an example of the
availability of funding in this regard. Mr. Glenn listed the
names of several veterans whom he suggested should be
recognized.
1:32:09 PM
SUSAN JONES informed the committee she and her husband are Army
veterans and their son served in the U.S. Air Force. She agreed
with the recognition of veterans in Alaska, noting she has
observed veterans who are proud of their military service and
are deserving of honor.
1:33:27 PM
CHAIR TUCK, after ascertaining no one else wished to testify,
closed public testimony, noting public testimony may be reopened
at a subsequent hearing.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER referred to questions raised by Deputy
Commissioner Doehl, in a document dated [4/3/17], which was
provided in the committee packet, and asked Representative
Eastman to respond.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN said [if HB 178 is enacted] the role of
DMVA would be minimal; the bill requests DMVA to accept names
from official Alaska veterans' organizations and to forward the
names and the sponsoring organizations to the legislature
annually. Further, in response to a question from DMVA related
to the eligibility of whose honored, he explained a forthcoming
version of the bill would clarify an eligible veteran is one who
has been a member of the armed forces, the National Guard, the
Alaska State Defense Force, or the Alaska Territorial Guard, and
who was honorably discharged.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked which veterans' organizations are
designated as [IRC 501(c) 19] charitable organizations.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN said at least four organizations in
Alaska meet that designation. The aforementioned Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) tax exemption is specific to posts or
organizations of past or present members of the U.S. Armed
Forces.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER surmised the veterans' organizations
include VFW and American Legion and asked for the other
organizations.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN will provide the requested information.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER questioned whether Representative Eastman
would accept an amendment to the legislation which would specify
a veterans' organization would need to meet the [IRC 501(c) 19]
tax-exempt standard.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN said yes.
1:37:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER suggested DMVA seeks further parameters
in the bill as to who would be eligible, for example, veterans
who were Alaska residents during their service or veterans who
are now Alaska residents.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN pointed out the legislation does not
direct DMVA to verify eligibility; veterans' organizations would
nominate a veteran and the legislature would make the final
determination as long as the veteran was honorably discharged.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER expressed his understanding that in
passing citations, the legislature does not complete a process
of vetting or fact-checking qualifications. He surmised the
legislation requires the legislature to assume additional
responsibilities.
1:39:45 PM
ROBERT DOEHL, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, disclosed he is a
member of VFW, American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of
America, and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, all of
which are IRC 501(c) 19 organizations. He said DMVA supports an
amendment to limit the applications to IRC 501(c) 19
organizations and expressed concerns related to the vetting
process and [the lack of] an adequate definition of veterans who
are eligible for recognition. In addition, he questioned
whether confirming an honorable discharge is a statutory
requirement. [DMVA] strongly supports an efficient donation
process similar to that currently utilized by the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game and a provision to direct undedicated
donations to certain veterans. Finally, DMVA requests that
veterans would be given a provision to opt-out if the honoree
chose not to be recognized as an individual.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked Mr. Doehl to comment on the value
of honoring an individual veteran as opposed to honoring all
veterans.
MR. DOEHL opined there is value in both forms of recognition.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ inquired as to whether the sponsor has
determined whether contributions to the state are tax
deductible.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN said yes. Currently, the state and each
of its subdivisions would be eligible; however, establishing
eligibility for a municipality requires payment of a $150 filing
fee with IRS. Therefore, every government entity in Alaska
would be eligible, but its status would need to be confirmed.
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH asked about the cost of installing and
maintaining signage.
1:44:55 PM
MIKE LESMANN, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, estimated
signs cost between $800-$1,000 minimum for materials and labor.
1:45:03 PM
MARK NEIDHOLD, Chief, Design and Construction Standards,
Division of Statewide Design and Engineering Services,
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, explained a
sign of the type discussed in the legislation can cost up to
$2,500 each, depending upon location, size, and other factors.
CHAIR TUCK asked whether the signs must stand alone or could be
added to an existing road sign.
MR. NEIDHOLD cautioned adding to an existing road sign risks
distracting from the message of the existing sign; however,
signs are routinely added to light poles.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked which federal highway visibility
standards may impact the placement of the signs honoring
veterans.
MR. NEIDHOLD said 23 Code of Federal Regulations, in the Manual
on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, allows the state to modify
the federal standards following the Alaska Traffic Manual
Supplement. In further response to Representative Saddler's
questions of how big signs can be and if sign locations are
limited, he added size depends on the traffic speed along the
route and the location of other signs that may be considered
more critical; in fact, the manual directs DOTPF to only install
signs that are necessary for the operation of the highway, with
minor exceptions. He described the hierarchy of signs from the
highest order, such as regulatory signs, to the lowest order,
such as memorial signs.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER further asked whether a sign that is
damaged or vandalized may cost less to replace or the same, and
if the state or private individuals would be liable for the
replacement cost.
MR. NEIDHOLD advised the cost of repair would depend upon the
level of damage.
1:51:35 PM
CHAIR TUCK announced that HB 178 was held over.
HB 125-LAO/HMONG VETERAN DRIVER'S LIC. & ID CAR
1:51:50 PM
CHAIR TUCK announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 125, "An Act relating to a veteran's designation
on an identification card or a driver's license for Hmong
veterans and Lao veterans."
1:52:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GERAN TARR, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor,
said HB 125 would recognize Hmong veterans in Alaska for their
service to the U.S. by authorizing a designation on their
driver's licenses. She informed the committee Hmong veterans
served during the time of the Vietnam War in what is now known
as the secret war, when intensified war actions were taken in
Laos. She noted many Hmong individuals who were recruited to
serve the U.S. military were very young, yet more than 50 years
later, Hmong veterans have not received the benefits promised to
them. Representative Tarr stressed the bill is an opportunity
to recognize service by Hmong veterans before it is too late
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER urged for the photos provided in the
committee packet to be made available to the public.
REPRESENTATIVE TARR, in response to Chair Tuck's question about
the ages of the recruits, said some were as young as 10 years of
age.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked what evidence is required to prove
one's status as a Hmong or Laos veteran.
REPRESENTATIVE TARR said federal documentation substantiates
military service; she deferred the question to Robert Doehl,
Deputy Commissioner, Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER directed attention to the bill on page 1,
lines 8-10, and page 2, lines 11-13, which read [in part]:
a Hmong veteran or Lao veteran who served in military
operations in support of the United States in the
Kingdom of Laos between February 28, 1961, and May 15,
1975.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER pointed out references on page 1, [line]
13 and on page 2, lines 1 and 16, state "a Hmong veteran or Lao
veteran," and asked whether all five references are complete.
REPRESENTATIVE TARR said yes. She offered to clarify the
aforementioned language with Legislative Legal Services,
Legislative Affairs Agency.
1:59:05 PM
CHAIR TUCK opened public testimony on HB 125.
1:59:32 PM
PASERT LEE stated his support for HB 125, and noted that during
the Vietnam War, from 1961 to 1975, the Hmong and Lao people
worked very hard for America. He recognized the vast number of
people's lives lost during the war in different parts of
Vietnam. He offered to bring evidence to prove the truthfulness
of the losses. He stated his hope that the American people
would support the bill for the Hmong and Lao veterans' license
plates and identification cards. He urged the Senate and House
to support the bill.
MR. LEE related after fighting for America he has lived in the
U.S. for almost 42 years and [the Hmong people] have not
received any [recognition]. He emphasized that HB 125 would
recognize the heavy and painful years of 1961-75 for the Hmong
and Lao people. He told some of the efforts and actions of the
Hmong and Lao soldiers during the war. He explained the Hmong
people who fought for the U.S. lost their country, homeland, and
much more. He urged the Senate, House, and chair to open their
eyes to look at the bill for the Hmong and Lao people.
2:04:00 PM
WILSON VANG testified in Hmong translated by Seng Her. Mr.
Wilson Vang said he served with CIA during the Hmong Veteran
secret war from 1961-1975 in North Vietnam. During that time
his leaders were John Kennedy and President Nixon. He stated
that Hmong veterans lost their land, which caused him to come to
America. He offered his support of HB 125 because it helps
recognize all the service of Hmong and Lao veterans in the war.
He explained that in America, the Hmong people are not
recognized, and this bill would help begin that process.
2:08:16 PM
XAISHOUA VANG testified in Hmong translated by Seng Her. He
stated that he was born June 3, 1957 and was requested to join
the war from 1968 to 1975 and protect the [Hmong nation] by John
Kennedy, President Nixon, General Vang Pao, and others. He said
part of the reason why [the Hmong people] have migrated to the
U.S. is because of the loss of their country. Right now, their
country is not under the control of their people. Mr. Xaishoua
Vang offered his impression that [since the war], the Hmong and
Lao veterans have not been recognized for their involvement in
the war. He remarked, "Today I come here to support HB 125, and
ask for the representatives through the chair to support HB
125." He urged the committee members, as leaders of the state,
to recognize the importance of HB 125.
2:13:25 PM
TONGLOU VANG testified in Hmong translated by Seng Her. He said
he was born August 10, 1933 and served in the war from 1961-75.
While involved in the war in 1965, he received injuries in his
chest and left leg. Many lives were lost in the local community
because of the Vietnam soldiers. Afterwards in 1975, the
Americans and General Vang Pao and leaders departed the area and
the surviving Hmong community was left with nothing. He
explained that without any leaders, [the Hmong soldiers] had to
seek other shelters, which has led to the most recent gorilla
war. He noted that during a six-month long training mission
away from his family time he lost many relatives and family
members. He requested that the state leaders support of HB 125
and recognize the service in this war. He expressed that [the
Hmong people] would not forget the committee's actions.
2:18:40 PM
XIAGE VANG testified in Hmong translated by Seng Her. He
detailed that he was born in 1945 and now is 75 years old. He
thanked the chair and the committee members for hearing him. He
explained that in 1961 President Kennedy and the King of Laos
discussed a written declaration of the participation engagement
with the Hmong and Lao people; troops were involved in the war
to help protect the nation. During that time, troops were given
supplies such as a radar to track down and control the war.
[There was a brief discussion in Hmong about radar.]
MR. XIAGE VANG explained that because of the radar given to [the
Hmong people], they were better able to identify their
situation; unfortunately, the radar was lost. He stated that in
that area, bodies have been identified and have not been
retrieved, which has caused the Hmong people to migrate to
another area. He requested that the chair, the leaders, and
everyone recognize HB 125 as something of importance to him and
the Hmong and Lao veterans. He asked that the bill be moved
forward and presented to the other leaders of the state. He
thanked the committee for hearing the bill.
2:26:55 PM
MAI XIONG testified in support of HB 125 to recognize Hmong and
Lao veterans with license plates and IDs. She said the bill
would benefit the Hmong people who helped win the war. She
explained that the war was very difficult with many casualties
and was the reason many Hmong and Lao individuals came to
America. She added that she wants more people to know about the
efforts of the Hmong people because the generation of veterans
is passing. She asked the committee to "pass bill for the Hmong
veterans, because that is the only thing we want to get."
2:28:32 PM
SAIVIT VONGRATSAMY testified in Laos translated to Hmong by
Pasert Lee and to English by Seng Her. He noted the need to
honor people's commitment, which HB 125 does. He thanked the
committee for hearing his testimony.
2:32:02 PM
SAMAK VONGVILAY testified in Laos translated to Hmong by Pasert
Lee and to English by Seng Her. He informed the committee that
in the war he was a soldier and a cook for the leaders. He
stated that HB 125 is very important to him and for the
recognition of the Hmong and Lao veterans.
2:34:32 PM
ROBERT DOEHL, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, stated DMVA's
support for HB 125 which recognizes those who have made
substantial sacrifices in service to the U.S. and who also
brought many American service members to safety. He advised
there is an established method to verify a veteran's status.
2:35:44 PM
VERDIE BOWEN, Director, Veterans Affairs, Office of Veteran
Affairs, Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, expressed
his support for HB 125. He provided a brief history of the
30,000-member Hmong army that faced 70,000-100,000 soldiers of
the North Vietnamese Army along the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos,
suffering huge losses of life. In response to Representative
Saddler's question as to the number of Hmong veterans [in
Alaska], he estimated 30-40 veterans would receive veterans'
status on their driver's licenses. He said in April 2016, the
Alaska Veteran Advisory Council, Office of Veterans Affairs,
DMVA, voted in support of individuals receiving the veteran
designation, and also related a statement of personal insight
into the service of the Hmong veterans.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER restated his intent to use the definition
of Hmong veteran and Lao veteran [text previously provided].
MR. BOWEN indicated his agreement.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the federal certification
of Hmong or Lao veteran status would suffice for the purposes of
the proposed legislation.
MR. BOWEN explained Hmong and Lao veteran status was designated
on their entrance visas at the time the veterans entered the
U.S.; the Office of Veteran Affairs would utilize a program
similar to that utilized for veterans of the Alaska Territorial
Guard.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER questioned whether the verification would
be an efficient process, given the age of the entrance visas.
MR. BOWEN explained Hmong veterans' groups in Anchorage have
already established the service of their members.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER stated his support for [HB 125].
2:40:41 PM
MAI RAMIREZ-XIONG informed the committee she was speaking on
behalf of her father, Lieutenant Colonel Xiong. She spoke of
what the Hmong people have done for the country after
immigrating. Ms. Ramirez-Xiong related her father has done much
for this country and HB 125 would demonstrate some understanding
by the American people, because many are unaware of the service
of the Hmong people to a country unknown to them. Ms. Ramirez-
Xiong said she is a U.S. citizen and urged that her father and
other Hmong veterans receive their well-earned recognition.
2:43:12 PM
BEDY XIONG expressed her strong support of HB 125 because Hmong
veterans have not been recognized.
2:44:45 PM
ZOUNEE YANG said both of her dads served in the Vietnam War at a
very young age and she wants HB 125 to pass. The bill is small
gratitude for all the Hmong and other tribes involved and would
make them happy. Ms. Yang stated she is first generation [U.S.
citizen] and wants to be able to teach her children about their
grandparents' history of service with the U.S. military, which
may not be taught in school.
2:46:38 PM
LUCKY XIONG said his father served from 1961-1965 and stated his
support for HB 125. Mr. Xiong expressed his belief that
veterans deserve recognition for their sacrifices, and the bill
would clearly identify and respect those who served.
2:47:41 PM
CHAIR TUCK, after ascertaining no one else wished to testify,
closed public testimony on HB 125.
2:48:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TARR stated her intent to provide additional
written testimony to the committee.
[HB 125 was held over.]
2:49:20 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting was
adjourned at 2:49 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB125 ver D 3.27.17.pdf |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 125 |
| HB125 Sponsor Statement 3.27.17.pdf |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 125 |
| HB125 Fiscal Note-DOA-DMV 4.2.17.pdf |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 125 |
| HB125 Fiscal Note-MVA 4.2.17.pdf |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 125 |
| HB125 Supporting Document- Letter Berkowitz 3.27.17.pdf |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 125 |
| HB125 Supporting Document-Letter Mai Xiong 3.27.17.pdf |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 125 |
| HB0178 ver A.PDF |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 178 |
| HB178 Sponsor Statement 3.22.17.pdf |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 178 |
| HB178 Fiscal Note-DOT 4.2.17.pdf |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 178 |
| HB125 Supporting Documents-Letters of Support 4.3.17.pdf |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 125 |
| HB178 Fiscal Note-MVA 4.4.17.pdf |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 178 |
| HB178 Additional Documents-Letter DMVA 4.4.17.pdf |
HMLV 4/4/2017 1:00:00 PM |
HB 178 |