Legislature(2005 - 2006)BUTROVICH 205
03/27/2006 01:30 PM Senate HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HCR5 | |
| HJR31 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 281 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HJR 31 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HCR 5 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HJR 31-FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS DAY
1:55:21 PM
CHAIR DYSON announced HJR 31 to be up for consideration.
JACQUELINE TUPOU, Staff to Representative Bruce Weyhrauch,
Alaska State Legislature, presented HJR 31 on behalf of
Representative Weyhrauch, sponsor. She explained that HJR 31
designates September 9 as "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Awareness Day." Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the
single largest cause of mental retardation in Alaska and yet is
preventable. If women didn't drink during pregnancy, FASD would
be eradicated. Alaska has the highest rate in the nation. Thus
concerned parents came together on the Internet and are trying
to foster worldwide awareness on the ninth month, ninth day and
ninth hour to remember that pregnant women shouldn't drink
throughout the nine months of pregnancy.
She said more American children are affected at birth by FASD
than by HIV, muscular dystrophy and Down's syndrome combined;
economic and social costs are exorbitant for the state.
Ms. Tupou referred to a 2005 survey of social providers and
doctors, reporting that more than 50 percent of the
obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) thought it might be okay
for a women to drink a little while pregnant. She emphasized
the need to get the "Do not drink" message out so that FASD can
be eradicated. This is a first step towards increasing
awareness in Alaska, Ms. Tupou concluded.
1:57:34 PM
SENATOR ELTON voiced his full support. Beginning discussion of
Conceptual Amendment 1, he referred to page 3, lines 5-7, and
suggested sending copies not only to Washington, D.C., but also
around Alaska, including the Department of Health and Social
Services and the mayors of organization communities.
MS. TUPOU replied that it would be fine with the sponsor.
SENATOR ELTON pondered whether others should receive it as well.
1:58:24 PM
SENATOR ELTON moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1, on page 3,
line 7, after "Congress", to add the state Department of Health
and Social Services and the mayors of organized Alaska
communities.
CHAIR DYSON proposed amending it to include school boards.
SENATOR ELTON concurred, mentioning the possibility of
superintendents as well and then returning to school boards.
CHAIR DYSON asked whether there was any objection. No objection
was stated, and Conceptual Amendment 1, as amended, was adopted.
He countered the assertion that this is a first step, noting
that many steps have been taken in the past. He cited examples,
such as labeling and signs in bars, and noted that Alaska is
trying to address this problem with teams and FASD-support
groups. He acknowledged that it's still short of what needs to
be done.
MS. TUPOU explained that it was a first step for her office.
She informed members that a FASD-related bill would be coming
through as well.
2:00:22 PM
SENATOR WILKEN moved to report HJR 31, as amended, from
committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal
notes. Without objection, SCS HJR 31(HES) was reported from the
Senate Health, Education and Social Services Standing Committee.
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