Legislature(2021 - 2022)GRUENBERG 120
03/15/2022 01:00 PM House MILITARY & VETERANS' AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR32 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HJR 32 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
HJR 32-HIRING OF APPRENTICES/VETERANS
1:09:03 PM
CHAIR TUCK announced that the only order of business would be
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 32, Encouraging the United States
Congress to establish hiring goals for apprentices and veteran
apprentices.
1:09:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON, as prime sponsor, presented HJR 32. He
read the sponsor statement [included in the committee packet],
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
HJR 32 encourages the United States Congress to
introduce and pass legislation requiring each offeror
for a domestic United States Department of Defense
construction project to establish goals that not less
than 10 percent of the total workforce employed in
performance of the project are veterans in a qualified
apprenticeship or postsecondary program; and require
each contractor and subcontractor for a domestic
United States Department of Defense construction
project that employs apprentices or postsecondary
students are veterans of the armed forces of the
United States.
1:11:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY voiced her support for the proposed
resolution. She asked for the percentage of apprentices and
post-secondary students who are veterans working on projects for
the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON deferred the question to the invited
testifiers.
REPRESENTATIVE STORY, in reference to the percentage of the
workforce, questioned why 10 percent was chosen.
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON answered that the 10 percent figure is
from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He
reiterated his understanding that the veteran population in
Alaska is 13 percent. In response to a follow up question, he
shared that the nationwide veteran population is under 20
million people, or 6.6 percent of the population.
1:13:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked if the proposed resolution would
only apply to jobs on military bases.
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON answered that the bill would pertain to
any domestic DoD construction projects.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER recounted that there was a previous bill
which pertained to [veteran] preference and asked whether HJR 32
meshes with this bill.
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON responded that he is not familiar with the
previous legislation. He stated that HJR 32 primarily applies
to federal contractors.
1:15:01 PM
CHAIR TUCK confirmed that about two years ago there was a bill
which allowed veteran preference. He said that the state
currently has a veteran hiring preference, and this option is
also open to private companies. In response to Representative
Rauscher's previous question, he pointed out that there is no
minimum requirement spelled out in the state hiring code. He
said that HJR 32 would put a requirement at the federal level
for DoD projects.
1:16:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON, in response to Representative Rauscher,
answered that the bill would establish a goal of 10 percent of
DoD contractors be veterans.
1:17:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON, in response to Representative Claman,
reiterated that, according to VA, the percentage of adults in
the nation who have served in the military is 6.6 percent.
REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN pointed out that the resolution calls for
a veteran hiring goal of 10 percent, but the national figure of
adults who served is 6.6 percent; therefore, he questioned
whether 10 percent would be a realistic figure for contractors.
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON responded that he would rather have 10
percent as a goal because working for military construction
projects is a highly sought job for military veterans.
1:19:58 PM
CHAIR TUCK introduced invited testimony.
1:20:30 PM
KYLE KAISER, President, Viper Transitions, shared that he is a
U.S. Army veteran, having served in the airborne infantry in
Iraq and Afghanistan in the Apache Company, which was the first
of the 501st Airborne Infantry out of 425's brigade combat team
in Fort Richardson. Following his deployment to Iraq, he stated
that he was selected to attend the U.S. Army sniper school in
Fort Benning, Georgia. As an infantryman, he said that he was
trained and taught to accomplish the mission at all costs. He
explained that, in the military, members learn to follow the
guidance of leadership and trust direction given to them, as
this could mean the difference between life and death. He said
that progression in rank teaches to "lead from the front" and
prepare to make decisions which could cost a soldier's life. He
stated that part of the noncommissioned officer's creed is to
accomplish the mission while maintaining the welfare of the
soldiers. He stated that this will always be at the forefront
of his mind. He stated that military service is selfless
service to the country. He expressed the importance of elected
leaders who understand the mindset of veterans.
MR. KAISER expressed support for HJR 32 because it relates to
veteran suicide. He reported that in 2021, there were 20
veteran suicides a day. He said that Viper Transitions was
created to ensure veterans a smooth transition to civilian
careers, while connecting the members to services they may need.
He pointed out that mental-health crises result from exposure to
violence and traumatizing events; however, he expressed the
opinion that the bigger issue relates to the feeling of being
outcast, neglected, disrespected, and dishonored by countrymen.
He explained that when a member is in uniform, people know the
person is in the military and will help them in some way. Such
acts are greatly appreciated; however, he expressed the opinion
that when the uniform comes off, the public looks upon the
member as a "has been." He explained the most common remark
members receive when looking for a job is to be thanked for
their service; however, they are often told they are
overqualified, underqualified, or their resume will be kept on
file. He said these statements can be summed up as "thank you
for your service, but we don't care." He stressed that this is
not a rant from a disgruntled veteran but truths which have been
ignored. He argued that HJR 32 would be a massive step in
assisting veterans who are searching for their next career. He
outlined three main career paths for veterans nationwide: the
federal government, state or city government, and construction.
By supporting career development, he said, the resolution would
call for lawmakers to take real action for veterans after the
uniform comes off.
1:27:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER recounted that on base many of the
construction jobs are union. He asked how the proposed
resolution would mesh with union jobs. He questioned whether
the members would need to go through apprenticeships, or whether
members would receive a bypass.
CHAIR TUCK responded that, when the Alaska Native Hospital was
built in Anchorage, there was a Native-hire preference. In a
military scenario, he said there would be a veteran-hiring
preference until the contractor met the 10 percent figure, and
that once the books are cleared of all the veterans, the
contractor would move to open hiring. He added that dispatch
rules would need to be changed to reflect this process. He
stated that HJR 32 would help all contractors have a hiring
preference.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked if journeyman requirements would
be waved.
CHAIR TUCK answered that during the apprenticeship interview and
application process, the paperwork typically describes the
member's military experience; however, each apprenticeship
program has its own standards of credit. He said there could be
a performance test to verify hours. He clarified that he can
only speak for the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers (IBEW). He asked Mr. Kaiser to share his affiliation.
1:30:32 PM
MR. KAISER explained that HJR 32 does not have a union or
nonunion focus, but rather it pertains to contractors who are
bidding on projects to hire veterans. He further explained that
each apprenticeship has its own approved U.S. Department of
Labor standards, and the standards ensure that the people are
being trained and brought up to journeymen. He said that HJR 32
would direct any contractor with apprenticeships to bring
veterans into the program under the contractor's standards. On
the percentage requirement, he said that 10 percent would be
applied to one specific job.
1:32:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked if there is a percentage of union
versus nonunion contractors on military bases.
CHAIR TUCK suggested that the building trades or the American
Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-
CIO) might have data on that.
1:33:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW pointed out that transition programs via
apprenticeships exist within the military. He said that HJR 32
would expand the programs, and in looking at the resolution's
letters of support, the apprenticeship programs cover every
area. He provided the opinion that the growth of the program
and opportunities for veterans is substantial.
1:34:42 PM
JASON WALL, Case Manager, Alaska Helmets to Hardhats, shared
that he was in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years as a
machine gunner, five years in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper,
and currently serves in the Alaska National Guard. He expressed
appreciation for the bill sponsor's work to take care of
veterans. He expressed support for tangible assistance to
service members who are in transition and seeking stable work.
1:36:22 PM
CHAIR TUCK questioned why DoD does not make veteran hire part of
procurement policy.
MR. WALL expressed uncertainty.
CHAIR TUCK added that DoD has a robust procurement structure.
1:37:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked the numbers of veterans currently in
apprenticeship programs.
MR. WALL expressed uncertainty on this number; however, he
stated that there were 70 applicants last year, with 30 accepted
into construction apprenticeships. He said the typical
acceptance rate is 15 percent to 20 percent.
1:38:43 PM
MR. WALL, in response to a question from Chair Tuck, explained
that Helmets to Hardhats is a national organization which
networks veterans with the trades. He stated that the Alaska
branch goes further by offering free introductory level
construction training, as well as interviews and resume writing
development, along with other services.
1:40:23 PM
MR. KAISER added that Viper Transitions and Helmets to Hardhats
work together in Alaska providing resources to veterans. He
explained that Viper Transitions is a DoD skill-bridge program,
and it is broader in terms of job placement and networking.
1:41:36 PM
CHAIR TUCK opened public testimony on HJR 32.
1:41:57 PM
PAUL FUHS, Secretary Treasurer, Arctic Warfare Museum, shared
that he is a veteran and served in the 97th Delta Military
Intelligence in the Vietnam War. He said that the museum's
mission is to recover, restore, and display artifacts. He
stated that through an agreement with Viper Transitions, when a
veteran works on such artifacts, the experience is counted
toward apprenticeship requirements. He relayed that the average
age of an aircraft mechanic is 57 years old. He said the
driving force of the museum is the issue of veteran suicide, and
he thanked the bill sponsor for introducing the resolution. He
explained that there is a need for facilities, and one of the
best facilities would be the Kulis Air National Guard Base
hanger at the Ted Stevens International Airport, which has been
designated as a national historic site because of its military
service and role during natural disasters. He stated that the
hanger had almost been destroyed, but those plans have currently
changed. He shared that the museum has identified several
artifacts in the Aleutian Islands, including up to 12 P-40
airplanes and a PBY Catlina. He reiterated that veterans are
included on these projects for the museum as part of
apprenticeship training. He added that some veterans enter the
apprenticeship program even before they leave service, making
the transition in their spare time. In response to the question
from Representative Rauscher regarding union involvement, he
answered that the program will be satisfied if it is considered
neutral, with the only requirement being the person is a
veteran.
1:45:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN asked where the P-40 aircraft were found.
MR. FUHS answered that the planes were found in the Aleutians;
however, he gave no further details because of looting concerns.
He shared that the museum has been working with the governor's
office on a piece of legislation seeking to provide further
protections towards these artifacts. He explained that the
artifacts are under the control of the [Office of History and
Archaeology]. He added that there is other equipment in the
Aleutian Islands, including a PBY Catlina aircraft in perfect
condition at the bottom of a lake in Adak, as well as several
Japanese Zero planes, which have not been retrieved. He said
the museum is currently working on a Douglas DC-3, with FedEx
providing a corner of its hanger toward refurbishing the plane.
He said the agreement is good until August, underlining the need
for the National Guard hanger.
questioned whether.
MR. FUHS, in response to Representative Claman, stated that the
P-40s were never flown.
1:47:53 PM
DON ETHERIDGE, Lobbyist, American Federation of Labor - Congress
of Industrial Organizations; Alaska Works Partnership, stated
that the resolution would not preclude a veteran from being in a
union. He explained that the first requirement to be trained
would be that the apprentice shows up on time and takes
instructions. He added that veterans have already learned this.
He stated that, if the veterans are provided with good jobs,
there might be less military suicide and homelessness.
1:49:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked how many veterans are in
apprenticeship programs.
MR. ETHERIDGE responded that he does not have this data. He
explained that the Helmets to Hardhats program is part of the
Alaska Works Partnership.
1:50:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked how many veterans are unemployed.
MR. ETHERIDGE suggested that the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development might have this data.
1:50:44 PM
CHAIR TUCK commented that, in past studies comparing union and
nonunion apprenticeship programs, the union programs have a
higher success rate in providing viable careers.
1:51:30 PM
MANUAL ACUNA, Self, shared that he served 13 years in the U.S.
Air Force as an aircraft maintainer. He said that by the time
he left the military, the skills he had acquired were not
transferable into the civilian world. Upon finding out about
the Helmets to Hardhats program, he is now a fifth-year wireman
apprentice in IBEW. He said he can attest to how his own
experience in the military is translatable to the construction
industry. He said he worked many federal jobs because of past
experience, which included working on F-22s, F-16s, F-15s, and
NA-10s aircraft. He said he still has military security
clearance, which has helped make employment as a contractor
easier.
1:54:40 PM
CHAIR TUCK asked Mr. Acuna whether if, before being accepted
into an apprenticeship program, he had been nonunion.
MR. ACUNA answered no. He explained that service is also about
the camaraderie and being in a union relates to this. He
expressed the desire to be in the union for the money, benefits,
and camaraderie.
1:55:35 PM
BENNO CLEVELAND, President, Alaska Native Veterans Council,
shared that he is a retired member of the Plumbers and
Pipefitters Local UA 375 in Fairbanks, as well as a retired
member of the civil service. He shared that he had served in
the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 and had served one year in
Vietnam. He further shared that he is a purple heart recipient.
He said that, once the veterans come home, they have nothing to
do. He explained that once a veteran is accepted into an
apprenticeship program, they go through five years of training,
and during the training the veteran receives healthcare, on-the-
job training, and pay. He said that his past service helped him
get work on Eielson Air Force Base from 1989 to 1991 and at Fort
Wainwright from 1991 to 2016. He stated that, concerning
apprentices in the trades, the federal government has moved away
from hiring apprentices; instead, it has been using private
contractors. He added that these contractors will often hire
union members. He said that through the apprenticeship program,
a veteran can provide for himself and his family. He expressed
the opinion that, once out of the military, veterans are lost
and feel no reason to live, and this brings thoughts of suicide.
He stressed that the suicide rate is high at the military bases
in Alaska. He thanked the sponsor for introducing HJR 32 and
the committee.
2:01:11 PM
BRAD BALDRIDGE, Self, expressed support for HJR 32. He shared
that he is an IBEW member. He said that asking for 10 percent
of the workers to be in the military is not asking for much, and
the figure should be closer to 50 percent. He added that HJR 32
would encourage apprenticeships to employ more veterans.
2:02:32 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN expressed agreement with the percentage in
the proposed resolution.
2:02:52 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER expressed the opinion that questions do
not always relate to contention, rather they may relate to
scope.
2:03:08 PM
CHAIR TUCK concurred with the statement. He questioned Mr.
Baldridge whether he would support 50 percent veteran hire in
the proposed resolution.
MR. BALDRIDGE answered yes, adding he supports the people who
serve the country.
2:04:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY suggested that, with good data on the
number of veterans being currently hired, the correct percentage
could be determined.
CHAIR TUCK concurred and said that when he served on the
apprenticeship interview committee, veterans tended to be
admitted into the programs.
2:05:19 PM
CHAIR TUCK, after ascertaining that no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HJR 32.
2:05:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON moved Amendment 1 to HJR 32, labeled 32-
LS1381\A.1, Klein, 3/8/22, which read as follows:
Page 2, following line 3:
Insert new material to read:
"WHEREAS veterans transition training program
have successfully reduced incidences of veteran
suicide, and"
CHAIR TUCK objected for the purpose of discussion.
2:06:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NELSON explained that the amendment would
highlight why veteran transition programs are important.
2:06:35 PM
CHAIR TUCK commented that registered apprenticeship programs
create a culture, and this is a benefit. He referred to Mr.
Acuna, who testified that the reason he had joined an
apprenticeship program was because of the camaraderie.
CHAIR TUCK shared that a family member has recently been
accepted into an apprenticeship program, which helped the person
not only to develop a trade, but also character. He stressed
that having camaraderie helps veterans make the transition. He
removed his objection. There being no further objection,
Amendment 1 was adopted.
2:08:16 PM
CHAIR TUCK announced that HJR 32 was held over.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HJR 32 Version A 03.02.2022.PDF |
HMLV 3/15/2022 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 32 |
| HJR 32 Hearing Request 03.02.2022.pdf |
HMLV 3/15/2022 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 32 |
| HJR 32 Sponsor Statement 03.02.2022.pdf |
HMLV 3/15/2022 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 32 |
| HJR 32 Fiscal Note HMLV 03.07.2022.pdf |
HMLV 3/15/2022 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 32 |
| HJR 32 Testimony - Received as of 03.10.2022.pdf |
HMLV 3/15/2022 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 32 |
| HJR32S~4.PDF |
HMLV 3/15/2022 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 32 |
| HJR 32 Supporting Document BLS Employment status of veterans by state 03.02.2022.pdf |
HMLV 3/15/2022 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 32 |
| HJR32S~2.PDF |
HMLV 3/15/2022 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 32 |
| HJR 32 Amendment A.1 Adopted 03.17.2022.pdf |
HMLV 3/15/2022 1:00:00 PM |
HJR 32 |