02/04/2026 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION

           SR   4-250TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED STATES                                                                        
3:46:44 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR   TOBIN   reconvened   the  meeting   and   announced   the                                                               
consideration  of   SENATE  RESOLUTION  NO.  4   Recognizing  and                                                               
commemorating  the  250th  anniversary  of the  founding  of  the                                                               
United   States   of   America;  encouraging   participation   in                                                               
commemorative  events; and  encouraging educational  institutions                                                               
to enhance civics education.                                                                                                    
3:47:13 PM                                                                                                                    
SENATOR  CATHY  TILTON,  District M,  Alaska  State  Legislature,                                                               
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SR 4 stated  that SR 4 is a simple but                                                               
meaningful resolution  that honors  the 250th anniversary  of the                                                               
signing  of the  Declaration  of Independence  on  July 4,  1776,                                                               
which will  be commemorated on July  4, 2026. She noted  that the                                                               
anniversary  is  referred  to  as  the  semi  quincentennial  and                                                               
provides   an  opportunity   for  reflection,   celebration,  and                                                               
education about  the principles of freedom,  democracy, and self-                                                               
governance.                                                                                                                     
3:48:34 PM                                                                                                                    
SENATOR  TILTON  briefly outlined  the  resolution  and said  the                                                               
first whereas  clause recognizes the Declaration  of Independence                                                               
as proclaiming the  birth of a new nation founded  on liberty and                                                               
equality. She  said the resolution  also acknowledges  the growth                                                               
of the  United States to  50 states,  with Alaska joining  as the                                                               
49th state in 1959, and  recognizes Alaska's contributions to the                                                               
nation's defense, economy, and cultural  heritage. She added that                                                               
the anniversary  provides an  opportunity to  reaffirm commitment                                                               
to the ideals of the Founding Fathers.                                                                                          
SENATOR  TILTON explained  that the  resolving clauses  encourage                                                               
Alaskan  communities,  organizations,   schools  and  educational                                                               
institutions to participate in  events, programs, and instruction                                                               
highlighting shared  history. She  said the resolution  urges the                                                               
integration  of  civic  education and  founding  principles  into                                                               
curriculum  to  inspire  future generations,  which  is  why  the                                                               
measure was referred to the Education Committee.                                                                                
SENATOR TILTON  emphasized that the  resolution does  not mandate                                                               
participation  and does  not request  funding. She  said national                                                               
programs  already  exist,  including America250,  which  provides                                                               
educational  resources  for  educators.  She  described  the  Our                                                               
American   Story   initiative,   which   allows   students   from                                                               
kindergarten  through grade  12,  as well  as  adults, to  submit                                                               
written reflections on America's  history. She also described the                                                               
America's  Field Trip  program, which  allows students  to submit                                                               
essays for  the opportunity  to win prizes,  including a  trip to                                                               
Washington, D.C.                                                                                                                
SENATOR  TILTON   noted  that   the  committee   packet  includes                                                               
information  showing that  organizations such  as NCSL,  CSG, and                                                               
other    legislative    organizations   are    supporting    semi                                                               
quincentennial  activities.   She  concluded  that   the  sponsor                                                               
statement describes  the resolution as commemorative  and focused                                                               
on federalism,  civic engagement, and education.  She said Senate                                                               
Resolution 4  unites Alaskans in celebration  and strengthens the                                                               
state's commitment to education as a pillar of democracy.                                                                       
3:51:33 PM                                                                                                                    
SENATOR STEVENS commented  that he appreciates the  bill and that                                                               
according to the Institute for Citizens  and Scholars only 1 in 3                                                               
Americans would pass the  citizenship test. Furthermore, Alaska's                                                               
national ranking in Civics education is among the lowest.                                                                       
SENATOR  TILTON  mentioned  taking  an online  Civics  test.  She                                                               
opined that younger generations are losing historical knowledge.                                                                
3:52:46 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR TOBIN  opened public testimony  on SR 4; finding  none, she                                                               
closed public testimony.                                                                                                        
3:53:04 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR TOBIN solicited a motion.                                                                                                 
3:53:06 PM                                                                                                                    
SENATOR STEVENS moved to report SR 4, work order 34-LS1294\A,                                                                   
from committee with individual recommendations and attached                                                                     
fiscal note(s).                                                                                                                 
3:53:20 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR TOBIN found no objection and SR 4 was reported from the                                                                   
Senate Education Standing Committee.