2001-01-31                     House Journal                      Page 0211
HB 98                                                                                             
HOUSE BILL NO. 98 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                        
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
    "An Act relating to the award of a high school diploma to certain                               
    World War II veterans."                                                                         
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on                              
Military and Veterans' Affairs and the Health, Education and Social                                 
Services Committee.                                                                                 
                                                                                                    

2001-01-31                     House Journal                      Page 0212
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Zero, Dept. of Education & Early Development                                                    
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 30, 2001, appears                                   
below:                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Porter:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
This bill I transmit today brings a long-overdue recognition to those                               
World War II veterans who left Alaska's high schools before                                         
graduating in order to serve their country.  These veterans would be                                
awarded high school diplomas.                                                                       
                                                                                                    
Alaska would join other states in the national "Operation Recognition"                              
program designed as society's gesture of gratitude towards World War                                
II veterans.  Many of these veterans never received high school                                     
diplomas because they chose, rather, to serve in the military at a                                  
crucial time to ward off a genuine threat to world stability. When they                             
returned home in the post-war economic and baby boom, they went                                     
straight to work and pursued careers rather than go back to school.                                 
                                                                                                    
Under this bill, the Department of Education and Early Development                                  
would award a diploma upon application by, or on behalf of, a person                                
who served in the military between August 7, 1940 and July 5, 1947.                                 
Those veterans with a Graduation Equivalency Diploma could also                                     
apply.                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
Out of respect and recognition of Alaska's World War II veterans, I                                 
urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                              
                                                                                                    
                           Sincerely,                                                               
                           /s/                                                                      
                             Tony Knowles                                                          
                           Governor"