2001-01-31                     Senate Journal                      Page 0235
SB 64                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 64 BY THE SENATE 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 Health, Education and Social                            
Services and Finance Committees.                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Education and Early                                         
   Development                                                                                      
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 30:                                                     
                                                                                                    
Dear President Halford:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
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                       
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    

2001-01-31                     Senate Journal                      Page 0236
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