Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-01-23 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0147 SB 54 SENATE BILL NO. 54 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act establishing the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22: Dear President Halford: In 1996 I issued Administrative Order No. 164 to establish the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council. The council advises the state on ways to better address the needs and concerns of Alaska's veterans, their dependents and their survivors. Its work is vital and deserves a permanent status. I am therefore transmitting this bill to establish the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council in statute within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). 2001-01-23 Senate Journal Page 0148 The work of the council will remain the same. Its duties will continue to include making recommendations concerning veterans' priority service needs, developing public and private partnerships to meet those needs, and providing coordination of information regarding veterans' benefits and services around the state. The chair of the council would also serve on the Alaska Pioneers' and Veterans' Home Advisory Board as proposed under separate legislation. This bill would maintain the present 20-member structure of the council to include one or more persons affiliated with a veterans organization, one or more persons from a state agency that manages programs affecting veterans, and one or more members of the general public familiar with veterans' issues. Council members would continue to serve without compensation other than per diem and travel expenses. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor