Legislature(2025 - 2026)GRUENBERG 120
02/25/2025 03:15 PM House STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB25 | |
| HB87 | |
| HB91 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 25 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 87 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 91 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HB 87-WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
3:23:54 PM
CHAIR CARRICK announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 87, "An Act establishing the month of March as
Women's History Month."
3:24:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CAROLYN HALL, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, introduced HB 87. She said that HB 87 is the companion
bill to another piece of legislation that is currently being
carried through the Senate. She said that the United States has
recognized March as Women's History Month since 1987 and said
that speaking to another legislator she was surprised to learn
that Alaska didn't formally recognized March as Women's History
Month. The proposed legislation would ensure that the month is
recognized into perpetuity. She said that when it comes to
recognizing the role women have played in the history of the
territory, pre-territory, and state's founding, it gives her a
lot of hope considering the foundations that were laid by women.
She said the knowledge of history informs the choices of the
future and HB 87 would take a step forward in recognizing,
elevating, and aiding women for generations to come.
3:26:37 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 3:26 p.m.
3:27:27 PM
DAVID REAMER, Historian, in support of HB 87, offered a
presentation about notable women in Alaska's History. He said
that for the entirety of Alaska's history, women have played
crucial roles. He said these women had a great deal of
influence shaping Alaska not only into what it is now but what
it will be. He said that the history of Alaska women has rarely
matched their historical presence and relevance in meaningful
ways.
MR. REAMER said that Women's History Month could be two things:
a prompt or reminder of the very basic fact that women have
shifted the world around them and made differences; and an
opportunity to be curious to get more information pertaining to
stories.
MR. REAMER told the story of Debbie Reed, one of the few women
who worked on the pipeline. Ms. Reed braced a camp with 500 men
and 8 women and worked in temperatures of negative 60 degrees
Fahrenheit. He said that this is known but the specifics are
not as well known, and specifics matter when telling stories.
3:30:03 PM
MR. REAMER, on the next slide, presented about Nora Guinn, a
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) teacher, a commissioner, a
magistrate, and, in 1967, the first Alaska Native district
judge. She was well known for translating court proceedings
into Yupik'. He said that it's been 20 years since she died but
she is still widely remembered in the Bethel Community, while
not widely known outside of Bethel.
MR. REAMER then detailed the narrative of Ashley Dickerson, the
first in just about everything she did and everywhere she went.
She was a student, a homesteader, author, and lawyer. She was
the first black lawyer in Alaska. Moreover, she was a fierce
individual who stood up for her values and civil rights.
MR. REAMER said that the next slide displayed Dale DeArmond.
She was a mother and artist best known for her wood block prints
which can still be found today. She published several books and
collaborated with other authors as well. Her 1973 book, Juneau:
A Book of Wood Cuts illustrates the history of Juneau. He
shared that this is one of his favorite books regarding Alaska.
MR. REAMER spoke about Anne Hobbs Purdy. She was a
schoolteacher and the notable figure in the book Tisha: The
Wonderful True Love Story of a Young Teacher in the Alaska
Wilderness. He said that she adopted 11 children and did her
best to keep the town of Chicken, Alaska, alive. He said this
story should be better known.
3:32:18 PM
MR. REAMER spoke about Martha "Mother" White, who was a member
of the often forgotten 1890's Cook Inlet Gold Rush. She was an
original settler in Anchorage who ran a hotel and café. She
earned the nickname "mother" due to her immense generosity. He
said that her daughter Martha "Babe" White was born in Tyonek
and was likely the first settler child born in the Upper Cook
Inlet and in 1915 drove the first ceremonial spike for the
Alaska Railroad.
MR. REAMER proceeded to speak about Benzie "Rusty" Dow. She was
a homesteader, truck driver, painter, and raised bear cubs. She
was notable for being the first women to drive the Alcan Highway
and through the Whittier Tunnel. He said that the truck she
drove had no speedometer, no gas gauge, and every story he heard
about her is a legend.
MR. REAMER next talked about Cecilia "Ceil" Braund, who was a
bartender notably at Diamond Jims in Indian, Alaska. She was
known for bringing the Gold Rush throwback style to Diamond
Jims. He said that he was previously asked to learn more about
Braund since he was told how friendly she was and how she
changed some people's Alaska experience forever, and in a
positive way.
MR. REAMER said that it is worth remembering that the women in
Alaska's history made their impacts on all facets of life. He
said not everyone was a lawyer or legislator. Some were
homesteaders, truck drivers, or even painters.
3:35:07 PM
MR. REAMER said that in 1937 Nell Scott was the first woman
elected to the Alaska Legislature, at which time she remarked,
"That was really what I was campaigning for, a woman to get into
the legislature and break the ice." He said that someone needs
to be the first before someone can be the second.
MR. REAMER remarked that in 1942 Mildred Mickey Romig ("Mickey")
became the first woman elected to the Anchorage City Council and
helped revive the Girl Scouts Troops in Alaska. He said that
nobody knows about the tradition that Mickey established. He
said that a Women's History Month could change this and remarked
that knowing about something makes you care. He said that
people want to know more about their community and can care
about their community. He said Women's History Month could be a
chance to learn more than what was known before. He concluded
by demonstrating a black and white photo of women displaying
some produce. He said he doesn't know when, where, or context
of the photo, but people are hungry for these details and want
to learn.
3:38:08 PM
CHAIR CARRICK transitioned to invited testimony on HB 87.
3:38:29 PM
JESSE LAVOIE, CEO, YWCA, gave invited testimony in support of HB
87. She complimented Mr. Reamer's presentation, and said the
YWCA is ecstatic with the proposed bill. She said that the YWCA
has a long history of supporting and recognizing female
accomplishments in the state. She said that YWCA sponsors women
achievement events, and this tradition has recognized over 350
women in the state from all facets of life. She said that given
the presentation, there isn't much more to add but it makes
sense to support HB 87. She said that the Federal Government
already recognizes this, and HB 87 is important for paving the
path for younger generations.
3:41:04 PM
The committee took a brief 3:41 p.m.
3:41:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND said he enjoyed learning about the bill
and the presentation by Mr. Reamer. He asked whether any other
people or topics were currently celebrated in March and if there
would be any overlap.
REPRESENTATIVE HALL responded that March was already designated
as Sobriety Awareness Month, but specific days or weeks were
also designated for Susan Butcher Day, Alaska History Week,
Ashley Johnson-Barr day, Vietnam Veterans Day, and the Good
Friday Alaska Earthquake Remembrance Day.
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked if there was a day that recognized
Elizabeth Peratrovich.
REPRESENTATIVE HALL responded that Elzabeth Peratrovich day was
celebrated on February 16.
3:43:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY proffered that it may be Traumatic Brain
Injury Month as well, but she was not sure whether the bill
proposal to formalize it had passed. She asked if making the
bill stronger or having a public awareness component added was
considered.
REPRESENTATIVE HALL responded that she had not considered this
and given the fiscal situation, it likely would be better [to
have a zero] fiscal note included. She said there are ways that
educational components can be incorporated. She said that she
has not put adequate thought into how this would look. She said
that as a former journalist, she looked for things that were
"newsworthy" and by establishing a women's history month it
would make these discussions about female figures "newsier."
REPRESENTATIVE STORY said her thoughts go to places like the
Association of Alaska School Boards or the Alaska Council of
School Administrators and whether there would be a way to
deliver educational material at no cost.
REPRESENTATIVE HALL responded that this is an excellent idea,
and she would love to pursue all options when it comes to this.
She said that trying to elevate this conversation is important.
3:46:46 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE complimented Representative Hall's
proposed bill and the ability to put something like this forward
without [cost to the state].
3:47:04 PM
CHAIR CARRICK thanked Representative Hall for bringing this bill
forward and noted that the House State Affairs Standing
Committee was comprised mostly of females. She said the
presentation was a strong reminder that "everyone here stands on
the shoulders of giants."
REPRESENTATIVE HALL said that she appreciated the comment and
opportunity to present the bill. She said that she wanted these
women memorialized and was grateful for the opportunity to do
so.
3:48:00 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 3:48 p.m.
3:48:31 PM
CHAIR CARRICK opened public testimony on HB 87. After
ascertaining there was no one who wished to testify, she closed
public testimony. Chair Carrick announced that HB 87 was held
over.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 25 Written Testimony ACAT 2-20-25.pdf |
HSTA 2/25/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 25 |
| HB 25 Backup LTR Biodegradable Products Institute 2-20-25.pdf |
HSTA 2/25/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 25 |
| HB 25 Written Testimony 2-24-25.pdf |
HSTA 2/25/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 25 |
| HB 87 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HSTA 2/25/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 87 |
| HB 87 Ver A.pdf |
HSTA 2/25/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 87 |
| HB 87 Fiscal Note.pdf |
HSTA 2/25/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 87 |
| HB 87 Presentation 2-25-25.pdf |
HSTA 2/25/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 87 |
| HB 91 Backup Recidivism Reduction Fund Allocation Summary Leg Finance.pdf |
HSTA 2/25/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 91 |
| HB 91 Backup MET Allocation Summary Leg Finance.pdf |
HSTA 2/25/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 91 |
| HB 91 Written Testimonny 2-22-25.pdf |
HSTA 2/25/2025 3:15:00 PM |
HB 91 |