Legislature(2023 - 2024)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/08/2024 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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Eo 128 Separate Membership of the Board of Directors of the Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority | |
SB131 | |
HB3 | |
Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
*+ | SB 131 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+ | TELECONFERENCED | ||
*+ | HB 3 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+ | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SB 131-ASIAN AMERICAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER PROGRAM 3:34:20 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 131 "An Act requiring education in the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders." 3:34:39 PM SENATOR ELVI GRAY-JACKSON, District G, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, as sponsor for SB 131, she provided the sponsor statement: [Original punctuation provided.] Sponsor Statement Senate Bill 131 Asian American/ Pacific Islanders Program Senate Bill 131 requires schools in the State of Alaska to educate students on the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This curriculum will be established and provided by each school district for students in kindergarten through grade 12. The contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are aplenty and need to be taught in schools. In addition to teaching about the contributions of the two communities, schools will also educate students on the cultural and economic diversity of the communities. May is Asian Pacific American History Month and was established as a way to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese individuals to the US in 1843. There are numerous sister cities between Japan and Alaska. Closest one to Juneau is Nemuro, Japan. It is an ocean facing fishing port. As early as 1788 there were Filipino seamen contacting Alaskan Natives. As Alaska developed our natural resource industries, there was a steady stream of Filipino immigrant workers. May is also the anniversary of the Transcontinental railroad completion where most of the workers were Chinese Immigrants. Although we are recognizing Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as a group, they are very different and have their individual traditions, culture, and ways of life. It is important to teach our youth the differences within these cultures and their significance to our country. 3:37:51 PM LUMA DIAZ, Staff, Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the sectional analysis for SB 131: [Original punctuation provided.] Sectional Analysis for SB 131 Asian American and Pacific Islanders Programs Section 1: AS 14.30 is amended by adding a new section to article 10 which will require schools to teach students about the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Each school will establish a program that is specific to the history, contributions, culture and economic diversity of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. 3:38:46 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if there is a test requirement or a way to ensure students are studying this type of education. 3:39:01 PM SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON replied that the requirement is not currently included in SB 131. 3:39:08 PM SENATOR MERRICK expressed concerns about other types of curriculum getting bumped and stated that there is already a packed curriculum. 3:39:30 PM SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON replied that it is her understanding SB 131 would not remove curriculum. 3:39:41 PM SENATOR MERRICK asked if it would be a part of the history curriculum. 3:39:42 PM SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON replied yes. 3:40:10 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI opened invited and public testimony. 3:40:20 PM At ease. 3:42:26 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI reconvened the meeting and heard invited testimony. 3:43:14 PM JEFF CHEN, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 131. He said he grew up as a third culture kid (TCK), which means he was raised in a culture other than what his parents experienced. He said he does not recall being taught Asian American curriculum in school until college. During childhood, behaviors and stories are learned from families, but people learn about each other from teachers at school, which is where similarities and differences are negotiated and where friends are met. It is also a place where assumptions about others, bullying, and racism have a ripple effect. As a child of immigrants, he wanted to fit in and didn't care about his own roots, which is a common experience for minority students across the country. However, he now feels pride for his Asian American background. Learning about each other and oneself is important for identity development, builds respect, and fosters an understanding about different races and ethnicities. He said as an adult, he worked with youth in schools across Alaska, brought students to the legislature, and has helped youth think critically and lovingly about who they are and where they come from and I know that makes a positive impact on youth. As a journalist and producer, he has helped to share the stories of Asian Alaskans, such as Representative Thelma Buchholdt, Asian and Pacific Island cannery workers who helped build Alaska's world-class fisheries. These stories matter and deserve to be taught in history. Although a reflection of historical pain, it is important to include legislation like the Chinese Exclusion Act. In 2022, he received a Rasmussen Foundation award to create a photo exhibit that explores the stories of Taiwanese Alaskans. He offered to contribute his work to the curriculum should SB 131 pass. When people intentionally learn about each other, they grow as a community. 3:46:30 PM MR. CHEN added that Juneau was a sister city to Chia Yi, where his family is from. 3:47:38 PM ULUAO AUMAVAE, Chief Equity Officer, Office of Equity and Justice, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 131. He said it is important that the AAPI program is included because of its historical importance in the U.S. It would also cover the commitment to inclusivity, which helped found the country. Alaska has a connection to its sister cities and this legislation would demonstrate the state's commitment to partnerships across the world. It would also diversify the portfolio for school districts so students can learn about individuals who live in Anchorage and across Alaska, as well as different cultural traditions. 3:49:47 PM SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked the Chief Equity Officer if that is an official position of the municipality. 3:50:0 PM MR. AUMAVAE replied that it is an official position. 3:50:36 PM JOONSUK PARK, Consul General, Consulate of the Republic of Korea, Anchorage, Alaska, invited testimony for SB 131. He said American history encompasses the story of immigrants from around the world seeking freedom and prosperity. The legacy of freedom, diversity, and inclusivity in the United States has blossomed into the spirit of democracy. Many nations oppose these precious democratic values. Since its independence in 1776, the United States has constantly advanced the political idea of pluralism. Although all forms of discrimination against minorities have been shaped through milestones such as the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 and the Civil Rights Act of 1960, schools educate future generations about America's remarkable progress. However, AAPI have not been equally recognized in history. He spoke to the first wave of seven thousand Korean immigrants that came to Hawaii. More than two million Koreans reside in the U.S. AAPI have brought rich cultures and diversity to American society and consistently contribute to its development. The percentage of AAPI before 1970 was less than one percent. Now, they represent eight percent of the population. He opined that the contribution of AAPI should be taught in Alaska through the passage of SB 131. 3:58:00 PM KIYANA FONUA, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 131. She said she would like to see equal representation for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans in school curriculum to educate students about the cultures of people who live within Anchorage, in the community, and across the state. She suggested emphasizing the importance of teaching Native Hawaiian history truthfully. The education of core values, histories, and traditions in history could inform the next generation. 3:59:27 PM MAVIS BOONE, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 131. She said she is Samoan and serves as the Director of Programs for the Pacific Community of Alaska. According to the census, Alaska is home to 18,668 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, which increased from 2010 by 67.4 percent. SB 131 is an important first step to ensure the education system reflects all of people's histories, creates an inclusive and enriching learning environment to promote personal and academic growth. Acknowledgment and celebration go beyond representation and also involve fostering empathy among students and educators. She expressed her belief that it is time to embrace diversity in Alaska, so people understand each other and each individual culture and can work together in unity. 4:01:22 PM TAFILISAUNOA TOLEAFOA, representing self, Executive Director, Pacific Community of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 131. She said she is originally from Samoa and speaks today on behalf of the Pacific Community of Alaska. School district data demonstrates that Tagalog, Mung, and Samoan are in the top five languages spoken in homes. Including this measure as requirement would help kids see themselves in history and know that their ancestors, who were often silenced, contributed to the history of the U.S. SB 131 would elevate an understanding of these communities. She said she would like people from these communities to participate in creating the curriculum to ensure the truth is spoken into power, and shine light on falsified history. 4:04:40 PM LORI PICKETT, Executive Director, Alaska Literacy Program, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 131. She stated AAPI communities in Alaska make people stronger and healthier. There is great value in teaching children about the rich history and vital contributions they have made and continue to make. 4:05:55 PM LUSIANA HANSEN, CEO, Polynesian Association of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 131. She stated her belief that SB 131 is long overdue and there is no reason AAPI should be excluded from the curriculum. Some other states already have similar legislation in place. According to data from 2020, there is a population of about 77,366 AAPI people. Thirty-nine thousand are registered voters. It is important to establish AAPI history and language of AAPI in curriculum. She collaborated with AAPI communities to bring awareness to this issue. The many contributions from these communities make the state a better place to live. Students learn from each other and could help combat harmful language toward different cultures. SB 131 could also bring an educational understanding of how different communities have been historically categorized. 4:12:03 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public and [invited] testimony and held SB 131 in committee.
Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
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SB 131 Sectional Analysis ver A.pdf |
SFIN 4/23/2024 9:00:00 AM SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
SB 131 Sponsor Statement ver A.pdf |
SFIN 4/23/2024 9:00:00 AM SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
SB 131 Letter of Support Amanda Sialofi 4.25.2023.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
HB3.FiscalNote.DCCED.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
HB3.FiscalNote.DOA.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
HB3.VerB.SectionalAnalysis.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
HB3.VerB.SupportingDocs.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
HB3.VerBtoCSHB3VerS.SummaryofChanges.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
HB3.VerS.SponsorStmt.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
HB3.VerB.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
CSHB3.VerS.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
HB3.FiscalNote.DCCED.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
HB3.FiscalNote.DOA.1.9.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
Fiscal.note. SB 131.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
EO 128 Letter to Senator Kawasaki.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
EO 128 |
Support - HB 3 .pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
Public Testimony - HB 3 8 Jan 2024.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
HB 3.e-mails of support.2.1.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
HB 3 Support e-mail 2.8.24.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
HB 3 opposition Written Testimony.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |
SB 131 support.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
SB 131 Support letter.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
Letters of support HB 3.pdf |
SSTA 2/8/2024 3:30:00 PM |
HB 3 |