HJR 30-URGE U.S. SUPPORT OF REFUGEES  3:20:41 PM CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30, Urging the United States Congress to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to promote the safety, health, and well-being of refugees and displaced persons; urging the United States government to uphold its international leadership role in responding to displacement crises with humanitarian assistance and to work with the international community and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to find solutions to conflicts and protect refugees; and urging the President of the United States to continue to mitigate the burden placed on frontline refugee host countries. 3:20:54 PM REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON explained that the resolution is an expression of concern for refugees worldwide, it is sympathy for their plight, and a belief that the national government, as well as the people of Alaska, are concerned and that Alaskans should intervene wherever and whenever possible. He described that refugees "have been a thing" spanning all time and this resolution is an important reflection on this historic moment of crisis, and the legislature should offer this positive comment of concern. 3:22:19 PM REPRESENTATIVE WOOL commented that he agreed with the numbers of refugees and noted that Alaska is not geographically located well to handle millions of people coming across state borders due to the oceans on both sides of the state. He asked what steps Representative Josephson was proposing Alaskans take to try to make the world better so there are not so many refugees. He then referred to page 2, lines 14-16, which read as follows: WHEREAS, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, during a refugee's first 20 years in the United States, the refugee contributes on average $21,000 more in taxes than the refugee receives in benefits; and REPRESENTATIVE WOOL noted that there was no evidence of linking it to crime. He opined that Representative Josephson was not suggesting accepting "X number" of refugees because they would add to the economy and they do not commit crime. He further opined that if refugees come to Alaska, Alaska will take them in, but the resolution is not trying to bring in 65 million people. REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPHSON responded that Representative Wool was correct, the resolution reflects a belief that the Alaska legislature shares the concerns of the international community and supports the efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to work with non-profits. He remarked, "We want to do our share, we can define what that is, and we've had that debate, but that we play a role as well." Nothing would change in terms of vetting individuals who might seek refugee status in the United States, he said, nothing in the resolution reflects any change in that sort of protocol. 3:24:51 PM REPRESENTATIVE WOOL moved to report HJR 30, labeled 30-LS1177\D, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HJR 30 moved from the House State Affairs Standing Committee.