02/25/1997 03:35 PM Senate STA

                  SB  77 ALASKA DAY OF PRAYER                                
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN GREEN  called the Senate State Affairs Committee to order            
 at 3:35 p.m. and brought up  SB 77  as the first order of business.           
                                                                               
  MR. JOE AMBROSE,  staff to Senator Taylor, prime sponsor, said the           
 first Thursday in May is the national day of prayer as recognized             
 by Congress.  Passage of SB 77 would establish the first Thursday             
 of May as a corresponding state day of prayer in Alaska.  He quoted           
 Thomas Jefferson who said, "A man's natural right to religious                
 expression is not in opposition to his political function."                   
                                                                               
 Number 47                                                                     
                                                                               
  MR. SCOTT HAMANN  said he strongly supported this bill.                      
                                                                               
  MS. VIRGINIA PHILLIPS  testified that she supported SB 77.  Many             
 states have such legislation and other states are considering it.             
 Only concerted prayer can overcome the problems of the Alaskan                
 elderly, multiple abortions, low high-school graduation rates,                
 violence, and lack of funds and help us to enter the new century              
 with pride.                                                                   
                                                                               
 Number 107                                                                    
                                                                               
  SENATOR MILLER  moved to pass SB 77 from committee with individual           
 recommendations.  There were no objections and it was so ordered.