Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
04/15/2015 08:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB89 | |
| SB1 | |
| HB142 | |
| SB74 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| = | SB 74 | ||
| = | SB 89 | ||
| + | HB 142 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 142-ESTABLISH ELDERS' DAY
8:56:09 AM
CHAIR STOLTZE announced the consideration of HB 142.
8:57:20 AM
ANDREA WATTS, Staff, Representative Neil Foster, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided an overview of HB 142 as
follows:
House Bill 142 is an act that establishes Elders' Day.
Elders of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds hold a
special place in the hearts of Alaskans. Elders'
knowledge and experiences provide a link from the past
to the present, a link that connects us to our
ancestors. Elders also serve a vital role as teachers
and mentors, guiding younger generations through the
many facets of life. Celebrating and honoring our
elders on winter solstice, a time of change and
optimism, not only recognizes the value of those who
came before us, but the significance of the lessons
and knowledge they selflessly leave behind for us to
take into the future.
CHAIR STOLTZE asked if there is a specific date for winter
solstice.
MS. WATTS explained that depending on the year, winter solstice
various from December 21-22.
CHAIR STOLTZE asked if winter solstice has any religious
connotations.
MS. WATTS answered that there may have been connotations in the
past, but the bill just recognizes the change of time and
seasons.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked for a definition of elders.
MS. WATTS answered that elder denotes respect and dignity. He
specified that elder is a word that really exemplifies a person
who is honored in their community. She said an elder could be a
teacher, grandparent, coach, or military veteran. She summarized
that a person honored as an elder really is in the eye of the
beholder.
SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if there is an age when a person
becomes an elder.
MS. WATTS answered no.
CHAIR STOLTZE asked if the statutes might have to be tightened
to determine what "venerable" is.
MS. WATTS replied that "venerable" is determined by an
individual's perception of the elder.
8:59:33 AM
DENISE DANIELLO, Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Aging,
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Juneau, Alaska,
read a statement of support as follows:
Alaska's elders, regardless of their culture, ethnic
heritage, or where they live, are valuable members of
our society; their wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and
vast experiences should be honored and shared to
enrich everyone's life. Older people have lived long,
they have successes as well as mistakes and they have
learned from these life experiences; for this reason,
Alaska's elders, tradition bearers, pioneer, and
mentors who link the past with the present can help
future generations by offering their wisdom and
guidance to keep life moving forward in a positive
direction. Just because this is a concisely stated
piece of legislation, please don't undervalue its
significance. We feel that Alaska's older people are
truly a renewable resource and each one of us has the
responsibility to honor and respect our elders, this
is something that our parents have taught us over many
generations. The renowned Tlingit elder, Dr. Walter
Soboleff, has reminded us to take care of the old
person that we will become, so we think this is sage
advice and appreciate your hearing of this bill today.
CHAIR STOLTZE asked where her perception was derived that elders
were undervalued.
MS. DANIELLO replied that she did not mean to say that any
committee member undervalues elders.
9:02:00 AM
SENATOR COGHILL moved to report HB 142 [29-LS0456\W] from
committee with individual recommendations and attached zero
fiscal note.
CHAIR STOLTZE announced that without objection, HB 142 moves out
of Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.