02/07/2012 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SCR20 | |
| SJR14 | |
| SJR11 | |
| SCR16 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SCR 20 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SJR 14 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SJR 11 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SCR 16 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
February 7, 2012
9:01 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Bill Wielechowski, Chair
Senator Joe Paskvan, Vice Chair
Senator Albert Kookesh
Senator Kevin Meyer
Senator Cathy Giessel
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 20
Relating to awarding the Alaska Decoration of Honor to certain
members of the military.
- MOVED SCR 20 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14
Urging the United States Department of Defense to protect
military bases and military personnel in the state.
- MOVED CSSJR 14(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11
Urging members of the Alaska delegation in Congress to support
efforts by the National Women's History Museum to secure
property in Washington, D.C., near the National Mall, as a
permanent location for the National Women's History Museum.
- MOVED SJR 11 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16
Proclaiming May 2012 to be Celiac Disease Awareness Month.
-MOVED SCR 16 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SCR 20
SHORT TITLE: DECORATION OF HONOR
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) WIELECHOWSKI
02/01/12 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/01/12 (S) STA
02/07/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SJR 14
SHORT TITLE: MILITARY PERSONNEL CUTS & BASE CLOSURES
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) WIELECHOWSKI
02/01/12 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/01/12 (S) STA
02/07/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SJR 11
SHORT TITLE: NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MUSEUM
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) DAVIS
01/17/12 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/17/12 (S) STA
02/07/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SCR 16
SHORT TITLE: CELIAC DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) GIESSEL
01/17/12 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/17/12 (S) STA
02/07/12 (S) STA AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
KENDRA KLOSTER, Staff
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SCR 20 on behalf of the sponsor.
LUKE HOPKINS, Mayor
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SCR 20 and offered
Amendment 1.
C.W. FLOYD, Special Assistant for Military and Veterans Affairs
Office of Senator Mark Begich
Anchorage, Alaska,
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SCR 20.
JIM PALMER
Office of Senator Lisa Murkowski
Anchorage, Alaska,
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SCR 20.
SENATOR BETTYE DAVIS
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SJR 11.
CELESTE HODGES, Staff
Senator Bettye Davis
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SJR 11 on behalf of the sponsor.
ANN STONE, Senior Vice President
National Women's History Museum
Alexandria, Virginia
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 11.
ROBIN READ, President and CEO
National Foundation for Women Legislators
Washington, DC
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SJR 11.
TERESA NEENO, Physician
Allergy Asthma and Immunity Center of Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SCR 16.
ACTION NARRATIVE
9:01:07 AM
CHAIR BILL WIELECHOWSKI called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Giessel, Kookesh, Paskvan, Meyer, and Chair
Wielechowski.
SCR 20-DECORATION OF HONOR
9:02:27 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that the first order of business
would be SCR 20, which would award the Decoration of Honor to 25
individuals that were killed in the line of duty while honorably
serving the United States in 2011.
KENDRA KLOSTER, staff, Senator Bill Wielechowski, sponsor,
introduced SCR 20. She explained that the resolution honors 25
individuals who were killed in the line of duty while honorably
serving our state and country in 2011. The Alaska Decoration of
Honor was established in 2007 to award military service members
from Alaska, or those who have been deployed while stationed in
Alaska, who were killed in action or in support of combat
action. The legislature must authorize the award by resolution
so the decoration can be presented to the recipients of the
survivors.
In 2008, the legislature awarded the medal to 171 individuals
dating back to statehood. From 2009 to 2010 an additional 36
were authorized. Passage of SCR 20 will allow the families of
these 25 individuals to receive the Alaska Decoration of Honor.
9:03:50 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI requested information as to how the names
were compiled for accuracy purposes.
MS. KLOSTER replied that she worked with Military and Veteran
Affairs and Legislative Legal to do so.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to report SCR 20 from committee with
individual recommendations. There being no objection, SCR 20
moved from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
SJR 14-MILITARY PERSONNEL CUTS & BASE CLOSURES
9:05:36 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced the consideration of SJR 14, which
he said highlights the strategic importance of Alaska's bases
and military personnel.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to adopt the proposed committee substitute
(CS) for SJR 14, labeled 27-LS1299\M, as the working document.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI objected for discussion purposes.
KENDRA KLOSTER, staff to Senator Bill Wielechowski, sponsor,
presented SJR 14. The resolution is a result of the base
realignment and closure process in 2005 and a recent possibility
of another round of closures in 2013 and 2015. She related that
it is important that the legislature show support for Alaska
military bases and personnel. There will also be a cut of $487
billion over the next 10 years for military bases. The Alaska
military force is of great importance to Alaska's economy and
strategic location. Thirty-two military installations and more
than 23,000 active duty members and 37,000 active duty family
members contribute to about 13 percent of the state's economy.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI noted there was one proposed amendment.
9:07:27 AM
LUKE HOPKINS, Mayor, Fairbanks North Star Borough, thanked the
committee for hearing the resolution. He reported on the Base
Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) process from 2005
which resulted in pushing back realignment for Eielson Air Force
Base. He voiced concern about another BRAC round. He stressed
the strategic importance of Eielson Air Force Base in the world
theater. He asked the committee to consider this issue and
support the resolution.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI agreed that the resolution was of great
importance to Fairbanks. He requested information about Mayor
Hopkins' proposed amendment.
MAYOR HOPKINS related that he talked to Senator Coghill about
language that would highlight the importance of interior Alaska.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI thanked the mayor.
9:11:21 AM
C.W. FLOYD, Special Assistant for Military and Veterans Affairs,
Office of Senator Mark Begich, offered to answer questions on
SJR 14.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI requested more information about the BRAC
process.
MR. FLOYD explained that BRAC would require Congressional
approval. A list of military bases under consideration would be
developed and reviewed. In 2005, the BRAC committee came to
Alaska to take testimony regarding the reduction of Eielson
Base. He noted that currently the Congressional climate does not
support domestic BRAC in light of all alternatives.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI asked what affects the 2005 BRAC had on
Alaska.
MR. FLOYD replied that it brought out facts and dispelled rumors
about costs. Cost savings implications were found to be
significant. The strategic importance was highlighted, as well
as future development opportunities, especially as related to
environmental impacts, unmanned aerial vehicles, and the global
reach of the training centers.
9:18:05 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI asked about Secretary of Defense Panetta's
prediction that $487 billion in military cuts are expected over
the next ten years. He wondered how that would affect Alaska.
MR. FLOYD opined that it was too soon to speculate on that
issue.
SENATOR PASKVAN recalled heating costs being a concern during
the 2005 hearings. He said it was found that there was a
leveling of BTU consumption by including air conditioning in
cost comparisons of bases.
MR. FLOYD said he assumed it was so, but did not know. He
offered to find out.
9:19:50 AM
JIM PALMER, Senator Lisa Murkowski's Office, agreed that
Congress is not in favor of a BRAC process at this time. Any
downsizing of the military in Alaska would not be a good idea
for America, given the strategic position of Alaska's bases to
Asian Pacific theaters. He noted that the governor, the
legislature, and the Congressional delegation would be working
closely together on this issue. He voiced concern about the
possibility of moving F-16's from Eielson to Elmendorf.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI noted widespread support on the legislative
level. He asked if moving the F-16's was a precursor for
upcoming BRAC rounds.
MR. PALMER said that would be speculation on his part. He
pointed out that moving the jets from Eielson would make it
easier to put the base in a BRAC situation.
9:23:29 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI withdrew his objection to adopting the CS for
SJR 14. There being no further objection, version M was before
the committee.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to adopt Amendment 1:
WHEREAS the northern most U.S. Air Force base in North
America is located in central Alaska is home to Red
Flag North exercises that provide access to the Joint
Pacific Range Complex training space for combined
Allied joint training including extensive live weapons
fire, live ordinances, and controlled UAV airspace and
overland supersonic flight; and
WHEREAS the Pacific Air Bridge is supported by Alaskan
Based KC-135 tankers with 24 million gallons of jet
fuel storage supplied by a central Alaska refinery via
direct pipeline; and
WHEREAS the state of Alaska has invested $80 million
of its own capital funds in the last two years to
provide the military exclusive direct ground access to
JPARC which is adjacent to a central Alaska Air Force
base; and
There being no objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI spoke of the importance of Alaska's strategic
location. He said the economic impact of 13 percent is an
important factor for retaining military bases in Alaska.
9:25:27 AM
SENATOR PASKVAN referred to a previous comment on BRAC and the
choice of closing domestic and international bases. He stressed
that domestic bases should be considered last for a BRAC process
because of the tremendous economic impact closing them would
have on communities.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to report CSSJR 14, version M, as amended,
out of committee with individual recommendations. There being no
objection, CSSJR 14(STA) moved from the Senate State Affairs
Standing Committee.
SJR 11-NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MUSEUM
9:27:11 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced the consideration of SJR 11, which
calls on the congressional delegation to support efforts to
construct a National Women's History Museum in the nation's
capital.
SENATOR BETTYE DAVIS, sponsor of SJR 11, thanked the committee
for hearing the resolution.
CELESTE HODGES, staff, Senator Bettye Davis, read from the
following sponsor statement for SJR 11:
Senate Joint Resolution No. 11 urges members of the
Alaska delegation in Congress to support efforts by
the National Women's History Museum to secure property
in Washington DC near the National Mall as a permanent
location for the National Women's History Museum.
Women played and continue to play essential roles in
many movements that helped shape the society we value
so highly today. Such movements include the Labor
Movement, the Women's Suffrage Movement, the Civil
Rights Movement, the Women's Rights Movement, and the
Environmental Movement. Women have long struggled to
gain ground in a society largely dominated by men.
Unfortunately, women achievements were marginalized
and credit for their work and discoveries went to
their male colleagues. Too often women were unsung
heroes and their contributions went unnoticed. The
displacement of women's history from the consciousness
of the general public is indicated by the absence of
women's history from K-12 curriculum. The
achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love
of the women who built America was and is as vital as
that of the men whose names we know so well.
In the 1970's, that began to change as a movement to
celebrate women's history gained momentum - a momentum
we now feel each March during Women's History Month as
we pay tribute to the millions of women who sacrificed
so much to help create a better society and world.
Since its founding in 1996, the National Women's
History Museum Institution, with the support of the
National Foundation for women legislators, has been
working toward obtaining a permanent site near the
National Mall for its building. The construction of a
museum that exhibits the rich history of women and
their many contributions to society is long overdue.
Of the 210 statues in the capitol building, only 9 are
of women. Of the 2,400 national historic landmarks in
the country, only 5 percent document women's
accomplishments. There are museums dedicated to
airplanes, buildings, and postage stamps, but no
single location dedicated to celebrating the
accomplishments of women, who are over half the
country's population.
MS. HODGES urged support of SJR 11.
9:31:04 AM
ANN STONE, Senior Vice President, National Women's History
Museum, Alexandria, Virginia, testified in support of SJR 11.
She recalled support for the museum from Alaskans, including
Senator Stevens in 1997. She said it is critical to receive
support from across the states. In the 90's a survey showed that
80 percent surveyed were in favor of a women's history museum.
She spoke of the museum's goal to create a greater partnership
between men and women, and to provide greater role models for
young girls. She applauded the legislature for considering SJR
11, which asks for the right to be able to purchase land on or
near the Mall of Washington, DC.
9:36:02 AM
ROBIN READ, President and CEO, National Foundation for Women
Legislators, Washington, DC, testified in support of SJR 11. She
listed the number of states that had already endorsed this
legislation. She listed the types of museums already in
existence and showed that a women's museum is obviously missing.
The Women's History Museum would be the only museum not paid for
by taxpayers. She pointed out that Alaska women are timeless
pioneers.
SENATOR KOOKESH spoke of his experience with building the
American Indian Museum. He wondered if there was any land still
available on the Mall.
MS. READ commented that the Hispanic Museum, which will be
located on the Mal, was just approved. She deferred to Ms. Stone
to discuss available land.
9:39:52 AM
MS. STONE noted that there are a couple of options for sites. It
could be a purchase or a 99-year lease. It will be a revenue
positive bill. She described a site on 12th and Independence;
other sites are pending.
SENATOR KOOKESH appreciated the group's efforts to find property
for the museum.
MS. READ said she appreciated the Native American Museum.
SENATOR DAVIS encouraged passage of the resolution.
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to report SJR 11, version A, out of
committee with individual recommendations. There being no
objection, SJR 11 was reported from the Senate State Affairs
Standing Committee.
SCR 16-CELIAC DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH
9:43:44 AM
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that SCR 16 was before the
committee, a resolution which designates May 2012 as Celiac
Disease Awareness Month.
SENATOR CATHY GIESSEL, sponsor of SCR 16, introduced the bill.
She informed the committee about gluten and celiac disease,
which is caused by a reaction to gluten. It is estimated that
over 5,000 Alaskans are affected by gluten intolerance. She
listed foods in which gluten is contained.
SENATOR GIESSEL listed the symptoms of celiac disease which is
genetic and has no known cure. Once identified, a person must
eat a strict gluten-free diet.
9:45:20 AM
TERESA NEENO, Physician, Allergy Asthma and Immunity Center of
Alaska, testified in support of SCR 16. She explained that an
increased awareness of the symptoms of celiac disease should
help decrease the time it usually takes to diagnose the disease,
which can be from 5 to 10 years. She addressed the care for
celiac disease.
SENATOR PASKVAN referred to page 2, line 25, the term
"misdiagnosis" and asked for clarity.
DR. NEENO explained that the public has a great deal of
misinformation related to food allergies and intolerances. The
symptoms of celiac disease are vague and it is difficult to
correlate the symptoms with the disease and the consumption of
wheat. It is an autoimmune disease and therefore there are GI
tract issues.
9:49:55 AM
SENATOR PASKVAN wanted clarification of "misdiagnosis."
DR. NEENO explained that the symptoms can be confusing.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI asked how a person is tested for the disease.
DR. NEENO said that a blood test is required. A genetic study
can also be done.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI asked if there was an increase in the number
of cases.
DR. NEENO said not necessarily. She shared that 1 in 133 in the
U.S. have been identified to have the disease; in Alaska, less
have been identified.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked what the cost of the blood test is and if
it is covered by insurance.
DR. NEENO did not know the cost, but thought it was covered by
insurance as part of a diagnostic workup.
9:53:10 AM
SENATOR MEYER asked how information about the disease is made
available. He also wanted to know what foods can be eaten.
SENATOR GIESSEL said that people do not generally know about
this disease. There is a need for dispersing information. The
point of the resolution is to increase awareness.
SENATOR GIESSEL addressed the question about what foods can be
eaten. She stressed that processed foods are bad. Whole foods
and raw foods are ok, as is protein. Very few grains can be
consumed. Parents have a hard time providing food for children
with the disease.
SENATOR MEYER suggested keying the food pyramid with a notice
about celiac disease.
CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI commented that rice and potatoes would be
fine to eat.
SENATOR PASKVAN agreed that public awareness was an important
issue. He applied the national statistics of 1 out of 133 having
celiac disease to a school setting and emphasized the need to
heighten awareness in schools. He mentioned the cost of $5,000
to $12,000 per year due to celiac disease and suggested early
diagnosis.
9:58:51 AM
SENATOR PASKVAN moved to report SCR 16, version M, from
committee with individual recommendations. There being no
objections, SCR 16 was reported from the Senate State Affairs
Standing Committee.
9:59:25 AM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Wielechowski adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 9:59 p.m.