01/25/2018 01:30 PM House MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR17 | |
| HB178 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HJR 17 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 178 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS
January 25, 2018
1:45 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Chris Tuck, Chair
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux, Vice Chair
Representative Justin Parish
Representative Ivy Spohnholz
Representative George Rauscher
Representative Lora Reinbold
Representative Dan Saddler
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17
Encouraging the United States Congress to pass legislation
giving full military burial rights to Hmong veterans of the
Vietnam War.
- HEARD & HELD
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
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HJR 17
SHORT TITLE: HMONG VETERANS MILITARY BURIAL RIGHTS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) TARR
03/29/17 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/29/17 (H) MLV
01/25/18 (H) MLV AT 1:30 PM GRUENBERG 120
BILL: HB 178
SHORT TITLE: NAMING PORTIONS OF VETERANS HIGHWAYS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(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
04/04/17 (H) Heard & Held
04/04/17 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
01/25/18 (H) MLV AT 1:30 PM GRUENBERG 120
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE GERAN TARR
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HJR 17 and
answered questions.
ROBERT DOEHL, Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner/Adjutant General
Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided testimony and answered questions
during the hearing of HJR 17.
VERDIE BOWEN, Director of Veterans' Affairs
Office of Veteran Affairs
Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided testimony and answered questions
during the hearing of HJR 17.
CHARLIE XIONG
(No address provided)
POSITION STATEMENT: Due to technical difficulties, Mr. Xiong's
testimony was indecipherable.
MAY RAMIREZ-XIONG
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HJR 17.
MAI XIONG
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Due to technical difficulties, Ms. Xiong's
testimony was indecipherable.
PASERT LEE
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support during the hearing of
HJR 17.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID EASTMAN
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, introduced HB 178 and
answered questions.
JERAD MCCLURE, Staff
Representative David Eastman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Eastman, prime
sponsor of HB 178, presented the changes incorporated into the
committee substitute, Version M, and answered questions.
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.
MIKE LESMANN, Legislative Liaison
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing of HB
178.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:45:36 PM
CHAIR CHRIS TUCK called the House Special Committee on Military
and Veterans' Affairs meeting to order at 1:45 p.m.
Representatives Tuck, Saddler, Reinbold, Spohnholz, LeDoux, and
Parish were present at the call to order. Representative
Rauscher arrived as the meeting was in progress.
HJR 17-HMONG VETERANS MILITARY BURIAL RIGHTS
1:46:36 PM
CHAIR TUCK announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17, Encouraging the United States
Congress to pass legislation giving full military burial rights
to Hmong veterans of the Vietnam War.
1:47:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GERAN TARR, Alaska State Legislature, prime
sponsor of HJR 17, noted HB 125 - introduced and heard by the
committee last year - also addressed honoring the service of
Hmong veterans who live in Alaska. She informed the committee
during the Vietnam War the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
recruited Hmong people in Laos for their assistance in the U.S.
war effort, including fighting alongside American soldiers on
the Ho Chi Minh trail and transporting downed pilots to medical
treatment. She said the Hmong soldiers fought honorably and it
is estimated that 100,000 Hmong soldiers were recruited and
trained. Representative Tarr directed the committee to HJR 17
on page 2, line 7, which read:
approximately 40,000 Hmong soldiers lost their lives
defending democracy
REPRESENTATIVE TARR said after the war ended and the communist
regime took power, the Hmong people were no longer welcome in
their homeland and many became refugees in Thailand and various
other locations, including Alaska. She said she was proud to
represent thousands of Hmong/Americans living in her district,
and other large populations are represented by several
legislative districts in Anchorage. However, the U. S. has not
fulfilled its promise to grant Hmong soldiers full veteran
recognition.
REPRESENTATIVE TARR again referred to proposed HB 125 which
would place a veteran designation on the driver's license of
former Hmong soldiers. She said HJR 17 would extend burial
rights at Arlington National Cemetery to Hmong veterans, a
change that has been supported at the federal level by U.S.
Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and others. She quoted a
living Hmong soldier's statement from an article [document not
provided] as follows: "Burial rights would mean getting the
respect and the dignity that he and his fellow fighters feel
they've earned." Representative Tarr stressed the importance of
honoring commitments and said support from the Alaska State
Legislature, along with similar resolutions from other states,
is needed to urge for federal legislation to extend full
military burial rights.
1:52:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked if veteran status for burial rights
at Arlington National Cemetery would allow burial rights in Fort
Richardson National Cemetery.
REPRESENTATIVE TARR deferred the question to the Department of
Military & Veterans' Affairs (DMVA).
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX commented that General Vang Pao, the
leader of the Hmong soldiers who died about five or six years
ago, asked to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery; however,
his request was denied despite intervention from U.S. Senator
Lisa Murkowski.
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH, in response to Representative Saddler,
said his research suggests burial rights would apply at any
national cemetery.
REPRESENTATIVE TARR agreed.
1:55:09 PM
CHAIR TUCK opened public testimony.
1:55:30 PM
ROBERT DOEHL, Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner's Office, DMVA,
stated DMVA and the Alaska Veterans' Advisory Council, Office of
Veterans Affairs, DMVA, support HJR 17 and HB 125. He said
Hmong were integral in saving downed American aviators during
the Vietnam War, and sometimes ten Hmong would perish for every
American saved. He said, "In short, Hmong died defending and
trying to save American lives; if they died with American lives
they should get to rest in the same hallowed ground as those
American warriors." Mr. Doehl pointed out 50 years have passed,
noting recognition of the Filipinos who served with the U. S.
during World War II was also delayed, but for less time. [On
1/24/18] forty-five Alaska Air National Guard airmen in the
210th Rescue Squadron returned home from deployment and he said
one of the reasons airmen return home safely is due to the
support they receive from the people living in the deployment
location, and he restated DMVA's support for HJR 17. In
response to Representative Saddler, he confirmed national
cemetery eligibility would apply to Fort Richardson National
Cemetery.
REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked why there is reluctance from
Congress to address this issue.
MR. DOEHL opined there is concern "the Hmong did not raise their
hand and take the same oath to support and defend the United
States as U.S. servicemembers do."
1:57:42 PM
VERDIE BOWEN, Director, Office of Veterans' Affairs, DMVA, said
he did not know why there is resistance from Congress on this
issue; in fact, the issue is discussed in committee each year
but does not receive enough support in the U. S. House and
Senate. He agreed the possible reason is that Hmong soldiers
did not receive an oath at enlistment. Mr. Bowen recalled the
100,000-member Vietnamese army in Laos was held back by the
30,000-member Hmong army managed by General Powell. Noting
Hmong army enlistment, he related children who were tall enough
to utilize a M1 Garand or M1 carbine rifle were taken from
school and enlisted in the army; thus, there is no way to
properly document those who were recruited. The Office of
Veterans' Affairs has worked with the Hmong community to
identify 25 people who served in the Hmong army. Mr. Bowen
advised Arlington National Cemetery has already recognized the
service of members of the Hmong army with a memorial dedicated
in 1997, which indicates Hmong army members deserve to be
interred in national cemeteries. Mr. Bowen pointed out burial
rights for members of the Hmong army should not be delayed or
the effort will be too late for many, as happened in many cases
of Alaska Territorial Guard members. He opined Alaska should
provide a reference point for its congressional delegation to
take to Congress and ask that this honor be given to those who
have served.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ asked whether Hmong veterans have been
identified by working directly with the Hmong community.
MR. BOWEN said yes; DMVA utilized the same program used to
identify Alaska Territorial Guard members, which allows officers
who served in the Hmong army to identify others who served.
This program was used last year in preparation for the Hmong
veteran driver's license designation.
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH postulated children were conscripted into
the army, and asked for the difference between conscription and
enlistment.
MR. BOWEN said the system was an involuntary draft and some
individuals received no training before they were sent to defend
or rescue downed pilots.
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH asked whether efforts have been made to
extend to the Hmong all of the benefits available to any veteran
who voluntarily or involuntarily enters U.S. military service.
MR. BOWEN advised at this time the only two benefits the DMVA
has [attempted to] extend are the driver's license designation
and burial rights. In further response to Representative
Parish, he added Alaska, California, and Minnesota have
established Hmong Memorial Day; furthermore, each state supports
a national program to allow Hmong soldiers to be interred in
national cemeteries.
2:05:35 PM
MAY RAMIREZ-XIONG testified in support of HJR 17. [Much of her
oral testimony was indiscernible, and she was provided with
contact information for submitting written testimony.] Her
written testimony was received by the committee and it read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
Hi, my name is May Ramirez-Xiong.
Today, I called in to make a public testimony on HJR
17, but the connection with my cellular phone was not
good, and I was asked to send my testimony in writing
to this email. I will try to stay as close as possible
to my phone testimony.
I believe I speak not only for myself, but also on
behalf of every veteran and civilian, who has any
respect and/or understanding of what it is like to
have a family member serving our country. That the
right thing to do is to honor every veteran who fought
for our country as we honored our own veterans. That
for the same reason we honored our fallen heroes, the
people that served, the ones who fought to protect our
country, and for every veteran who paved the way to
give our country and our people the life, liberty,
freedom and justice for all, that we extend this honor
to the Hmong Veterans of the Vietnam War as well.
For the veterans who served the purposed outlined in
the Soldier's Creed, to "stand ready to deploy,
engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States
of America in close combat." The Hmong Veterans served
this purposed for our Country during the Vietnam War.
This war left not only scars in our hearts, it
sacrificed our people, and it is a part of American
history. A part of me that I knew little about,
because this part of history was not taught in
schools. It was the "Secret War", and no recognition
were given to the Hmong people. The Hmong people
fought and continued fighting long after the United
States pulled out. The United States of America is my
Country. My Country that my father and many Hmong
Veterans fought to defend, and many Hmong people died
serving our country.
While language barriers have prevented the Hmong
Veterans from expressing their concerns about the lack
of dignity and respect they have received, the only
way to make it right for them is to be their voice,
because they fought for mine. Many who fought in The
Secret War has already passed away and very few Hmong
Veterans of the Vietnam War are still alive today. I
do not believe that many Hmong Veterans would consider
burial at Arlington due to superstitions of the
fengshui considering burials, and many may not
considered this an option at all. However, my
testimony is not just about the burial of Hmong
Veterans of the Vietnam War at Arlington Cemetery, but
about the honor, dignity, and respect for those men.
To invalidate the rights that were promised four
almost five decades ago demonstrates the kind of
people we are. We are perceived to make broken
promises, is this how we treat the very people that
fought for our country? I am born and raised in the
United States of America. I am an American. And, if we
are anything that we say we are, we would provide
Freedom, Liberty and Justice for all. Dignity and
respect should be awarded to all soldiers, even the
foreign-born soldier that fought alongside American
soldiers, because they served the same purpose.
The United Stated should extend this right to include
the Hmong Veterans of the Secret War. They should be
honored even if they were not born on U.S. soil. Hmong
Veterans fought for this land, and their families died
for our soil. They may not have sworn with their right
hands as American Soldiers do (I was not born during
that era, I would not have seen this) but I know
they stood by the Solder's Creed:
I am an American Soldier.
I am a warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States, and live the
Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough,
trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the
enemies of the United States of America in close
combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of
life.
I am an American Soldier.
Because my father was one of the Hmong Veterans who
fought this War. They were warriors and members of
U.S. teams. They served the people of the U.S., and
lived the values. They have put the mission first, and
did not accept defeat, they did not quit. They carried
fallen comrades to safety; they were the expert and
the professional who was ready to deploy, engage, and
destroy the enemies of the U.S.A in close combat. They
were the guardian of freedom and the American way of
life, they were American Soldiers even before stepping
on American soil. We owe it to what remains of the
Hmong Veterans of the Vietnam War - The Secret War, to
give them what we promised. I'm sad to say that the
longer we wait to make a change, the less meaningful
it would be for anyone else. It's to show dignity
and respect for those who fought. It only matters
while they're still alive. Lets not wait until they're
all gone, to approve something they were promised
decades ago.
CHAIR TUCK handed the gavel to Vice Chair LeDoux.
2:11:44 PM
CHARLIE XIONG, calling from California, attempted to provide
testimony. [Due to technical difficulties Mr. Xiong's testimony
was indiscernible.]
To address technical difficulties, a series of at-eases were
taken from 2:13 p.m. to 2:19 p.m.
2:19:22 PM
MAI XIONG attempted to provide testimony. [Due to technical
difficulties Ms. Xiong's testimony was indiscernible.]
2:20:48 PM
PASERT LEE [Much of Mr. Lee's testimony was not discernible;
however, the portions of his testimony transcribed here indicate
he was in support of HJR 17.] indicated that from 1961-75 the
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) recruited Hmong people to
rescue American pilots who had been shot down. He said that
Hmong people protected Highways 7 and 4, as well as the Ho Chi
Minh Trail. He spoke of the 36,000 Hmong soldiers that died
during the Vietnam War compared to the relatively fewer 58,000
American soldiers that died there. He said he hopes that HJR 17
passes for the Hmong living in Alaska.
2:23:28 PM
VICE CHAIR LEDOUX announced that public testimony on HJR 17
would remain open.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER spoke of the urgent need to pass the
resolution as soon as public testimony is heard.
VICE CHAIR LEDOUX agreed.
[HJR 17 was held over.]
HB 178-NAMING PORTIONS OF VETERANS HIGHWAYS
2:24:56 PM
VICE CHAIR LEDOUX announced that the final 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."
2:25:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID EASTMAN, Alaska State Legislature, said HB
178 was requested by Alaska veterans and affects the six
veterans' memorials that currently exist in Alaska.
2:26:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH moved to adopt the committee substitute
(CS) for HB 178, [Version 30-LS0550\M], Bruce, 1/24/18, as a
working document. There being no objection, Version M was
before the committee.
2:26:55 PM
JERAD MCCLURE, Staff, Representative David Eastman, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Eastman, sponsor,
presented the changes incorporated in Version M. He directed
attention to page 1, lines 6-12, and said language was added to
ensure the veterans' organizations submitting nominations are
recognized under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(19). On
page 2, lines 1-5, language was added to ensure if a living
veteran's name was selected, the Department of Military &
Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) would be required to seek permission
from the veteran before his/her name could be added to the list
of individuals to be honored. Also, on page 2, lines 22-25
require that the signs are funded or the Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities (DOTPF) cannot proceed.
Language beginning on page 2, line 31, and continuing to page 3,
lines 1-3, establishes the order of priority for the signs.
Also, on page 3, lines 7-10 create a more specific definition of
"veteran" for the purposes of this legislation, and lines 11-14
clarify DOTPF is the sole department responsible for handling
donations, gifts, and grants for funding the signs.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the sponsor considered
expanding the definition of veterans in the bill to include
Hmong veterans.
MR. MCCLURE responded he did not believe so.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN, speaking as the sponsor, said he was
amenable to such an amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH directed attention to the bill on page 3,
[lines 11-14], and asked whether this language expands the
sources of revenue that DOTPF can receive.
MR. MCCLURE explained the language grants de minimis authority
to accept gifts, grants, and donations so there is no need for
DOTPF to receive budget line item funds [for the purposes of HB
178].
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH requested asked an estimate of the funds
necessary to post a sign or marker in recognition of a veteran.
MR. MCCLURE deferred to DOTPF.
2:30:23 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease.
2:31:00 PM
MARK NEIDHOLD, Chief of Design & Construction Standards,
Division of Statewide Design and Engineering Services, DOTPF, in
response to Representative Parish, said a standalone sign,
meeting all necessary requirements to preserve the safety of the
traveling public, would cost approximately $2,500 per
installation. He said there could be economies of scale if
there is more than one sign, and/or if the sign is attached to a
preexisting structure.
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH asked whether additional funds would be
needed for the maintenance and/or replacement of signs.
MR. NEIDHOLD opined the bill restricts DOTPF from performing any
repair or maintenance unless funds are available. Further, the
cost of a repair would depend upon the condition of the sign and
could reach the full replacement cost of $2,500.
REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD observed an existing sign honoring an
Alaska State Trooper killed in action is terribly weathered, and
she asked for the cost of replacing the sign.
MR. NEIDHOLD was unsure; sign blanks are approximately $250 per
square foot thus the six-square-foot sign mentioned by
Representative Reinbold could cost $1,500.
REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD said the sign in question is small and
the estimate [for replacement] seems very high.
MR. NEIDHOLD explained his estimate is an amortized cost that
includes traffic control, labor, and safety compliance whether
installation is by DOTPF staff or is bid out to a contractor.
He offered to confirm his estimate.
2:36:14 PM
VICE CHAIR LEDOUX asked that comments relate directly to HB 178.
[A short discussion unrelated to HB 178 ensued.]
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked whether the bill indicates the
size of the signs.
MR. NEIDHOLD advised the size of the sign is not identified in
the bill but would be subject to the Alaska Traffic Manual and
the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Federal Highway
Administration. In further response to Representative Rauscher,
he said the size of the sign is dependent upon the text, thus a
veteran with a long name would require a larger sign.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked whether remarks other than a
veteran's name would be allowed on the sign.
MR. NEIDHOLD said the bill does not specify; however, the bill
directs DOTPF to develop "that policy," and he offered to
provide more information at a later date.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked whether more than one name would
be allowed on a sign.
MR. NEIDHOLD said the bill is not specific on that, but it
directs DOTPF to produce a sign in accordance with the
legislative commendation; the Alaska Traffic Manual and the
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices do not prohibit
listing more than one name on a sign.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER questioned whether a person sponsoring a
veteran would provide the $2,500 for the initial cost of the
sign, and additional donations would be needed to cover the cost
of repairs if the sign were damaged.
MR. NEIDHOLD said language in Version M of the bill prohibits
DOTPF from acting unless funds are available.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER restated all of the funds would come
from a sponsor.
MR. NEIDHOLD restated the bill restricts DOTPF from any or all
of the stated activities - design, post, maintain, or replace -
unless funding is present.
2:41:43 PM
VICE CHAIR LEDOUX directed attention to the bill on page 2,
lines 21-23, which read [in part]:
... The Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities may not
(1) design, post, maintain, or replace a sign or
other marker unless there is adequate funding through
gifts, donations, or grants ...
VICE CHAIR LEDOUX asked whether grants would include grants from
the state.
MR. NEIDHOLD was unsure and deferred the question to finance.
VICE CHAIR LEDOUX noted the bill has a zero fiscal note [Fiscal
Note Identifier: HB178-DOT-COM-03-31-17] and expressed her
concern as to whether the legislature can act on a bill with a
zero fiscal note.
MR. NEIDHOLD explained DOTPF attached a zero fiscal note because
of the language prohibiting DOTPF from performing any activities
unless other funding is provided.
2:44:22 PM
MIKE LESMANN, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Commissioner,
DOTPF, stated DOTPF's understanding that activities related to
design, maintenance, posting, or replacing [signs] are
prohibited without funding to DOTPF outside of funding from the
state or federal government, which is the reason for a zero
fiscal note. However, for its Southcoast, Northern, and Central
Regions, DOTPF has statutory designated program receipt
authority which provides the mechanism for DOTPF to accept gifts
and grants. Mr. Lesmann suggested the question about grants
should be directed to the bill sponsor. In response to Vice
Chair LeDoux's question about [Fiscal Note Identifier: HB178-
MVA-OVA-1-19-18], he deferred to the Department of Military &
Veterans' Affairs.
[Vice Chair LeDoux returned the gavel to Chair Tuck.]
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ surmised the intention of Version M is
DMVA would work with private nonprofit organizations which
support and advance veterans' interests and recognition in order
to secure nominations and funding for said memorials.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN remarked:
The intention of the bill comes from the requests from
the veterans' organizations themselves who have
identified funding for some signs that they would like
to go ahead and put on these veterans' memorials. And
the, the process and the Department of Military &
Veterans' Affairs can certainly speak to their
analysis, but the process is such that those, those
veterans' organizations have current established
relationships with the department. They're already
recognized by (indisc.) as veterans' organizations,
they already have those relationships, and they simply
submit a document with a name. Then that is simply
passed on to the legislature by the department.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ said from her experience working with
veterans' organizations, a veterans' organization interested in
recognizing a nominee would put forth a person's name with the
understanding that it would likely fund that specific memorial
sign.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN said yes.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ observed the bill would allow DOTPF to
work with DMVA in placing signs at six specific veterans'
memorials in the state; this would be done in collaboration with
the private nonprofit veterans' organizations which would fund
the projects.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN clarified DMVA would be an intermediary
between the veterans' organizations and the legislature, and the
legislature would decide whether or not to recognize veterans.
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ confirmed funding would come from
private nonprofit organizations working with DMVA to make
recommendations to the legislature regarding memorial signs. If
the recommendations are approved, the signs would be installed
by DOTPF. She asked for the location of the six veterans'
memorials that would be affected.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN said the bill amends AS 35.40.035 which
identifies six veterans' memorials designated on portions of
highways in Juneau, Eagle River, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough,
and Fairbanks, and on two bridges. In further response to
Representative Spohnholz, he said he would provide the locations
of the memorials to the committee.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER said he likes the intent of the bill and
that Alaskans would honor a fallen comrade in a self-reliant
manner. He asked whether there are any limits to the number of
memorials, other than those imposed by the veterans'
organizations.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN pointed out the legislature has
established the existing memorials and new legislation would be
required to change the number of memorials. Further, the
legislature would decide on the number and frequency of
designated names.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER questioned whether the six existing
memorials are identified by a signpost - or encompass a certain
area, such as an intersection - so to envision the physical or
procedural limitations on the number of individual signs that
might be posted.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN said individual veterans' memorials can
be unique; therefore, the legislature has allowed DOTPF latitude
to determine their location and size, and if more than one
person's name would be included.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER surmised the amount of money generated
may affect the size of the memorial thus signs may be very large
or very small depending upon the veteran's popularity. Further,
he asked where the bill establishes standards on what would
qualify a veteran for commendation or recognition.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN said the legislature ultimately decides
who is recognized under this program; the bill does not provide
criteria to guide the legislature in its decision.
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER concluded a recommendation - even though
funded by a veterans' organization - could be denied by the
legislature.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN explained denial of a recommendation
would occur through inaction by the legislature.
2:55:32 PM
REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD acknowledged the value of recognizing
veterans, however, DOTPF's primary responsibility is for
infrastructure and public safety. Further, she estimated there
are 75,000 veterans in Alaska, and asked how [one nomination]
would be prioritized as more important than another.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN said veterans' organizations desire to
highlight one or more veterans over a certain period of time,
but not permanently. He stressed the legislation currently
before the committee relates to whether the legislature will
respond to that request.
REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD expressed her appreciation of veterans'
memorials and their purpose. She inquired as to whether there
are additional messages of support for the bill, and questioned
how the legislature would recognize all of the thousands of
veterans in Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE EASTMAN noted there will be public testimony from
veterans in support of the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH returned to the concern of equity, and
pointed out the bill directs the initial placement would be done
in the order of the most recent commendation, and if donations
have not been linked to a specific veteran, DOTPF could use
those funds for others; however, if there were veterans
commended by the legislature without funding, and all available
funding is associated with other names, there would be a
conflict. In addition, if the signs are not meant to be
permanent, he surmised [veterans' organizations] would need to
raise funds for their eventual replacement or removal of the
signs. He directed attention to the bill on page 2, lines 18
and 19, which read [in part]:
... A donor may request that a gift, donation, or
grant be used for a specific veteran's memorial, ...
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH gave an example of a partial donation
directed to a specific memorial and asked what the accounting
burden would be if DOTPF is expected to hold a donation for a
specific veteran and await additional funding.
3:01:04 PM
CHAIR TUCK announced that HB 178 was held over.
3:01:09 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting was
adjourned at 3:01 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HJR017 Sponsor Statement 1.20.18.pdf |
HMLV 1/25/2018 1:30:00 PM |
HJR 17 |
| HJR017 Supporting Document- S.1179. 1.20.18.pdf |
HMLV 1/25/2018 1:30:00 PM |
HJR 17 |
| HJR017 Fiscal Note 1.24.18.pdf |
HMLV 1/25/2018 1:30:00 PM |
HJR 17 |
| HB178 ver M.pdf |
HMLV 1/25/2018 1:30:00 PM |
HB 178 |
| HB178 Supporting Document-Support Letters 1.24.18.pdf |
HMLV 1/25/2018 1:30:00 PM |
HB 178 |
| HB178 Fiscal Note-MVA 1.19.18.pdf |
HMLV 1/25/2018 1:30:00 PM |
HB 178 |
| HB178 Fiscal Note-DOT 1.19.18.pdf |
HMLV 1/25/2018 1:30:00 PM |
HB 178 |