Legislature(2023 - 2024)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/12/2024 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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Audio | Topic |
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SB131 | |
SB193 | |
Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+= | SB 131 | TELECONFERENCED | |
*+ | SB 193 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+ | TELECONFERENCED |
SB 131-ASIAN AMERICAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER PROGRAM 3:33:39 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." 3:33:54 PM SENATOR ELVI GRAY-JACKSON, District G, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor for SB 131. She said SB 131 would include the history of Asian American Pacific Islanders and their contributions to K-12 schools. 3:34:31 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI opened public testimony on SB 131. 3:35:01 PM GLADYS ANDERSEN, representing self, testified in support of SB 131. She stated that as a member of the Filipino community in Juneau, she appreciates its organization and the backbone it provides for a close-knit community, enabling people to connect both locally and elsewhere. She expressed her belief that teaching Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history and culture is important, given the significant contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Alaska. She recalled discovering the book "Filipinos in Alaska, 1788 to 1958" through her involvement in the Filipino community. Including AAPI history in the curriculum would help children and future learners broaden their understanding and enhance the history of the diverse cultures and accounts of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the state, thereby increasing the visibility of these communities in Alaska. 3:35:55 PM SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI joined the meeting. 3:36:43 PM SHAYNE NUESCA, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 131. She said she serves as the Interim Director of Make Us Visible Alaska, a coalition working to bring AAPI history education to Alaska K-12 schools. She expressed that the bill is deeply personal to her, recounting her experience of emigrating to the U.S. from the Philippines with her family at the age of six. She shared that although they could bring few belongings, she brought a set of encyclopedias, which she flipped through as a child, searching for references to the Philippines and Filipinos. She reflected on her work documenting the history of Filipinos in Alaska and connecting with students who have also migrated to this country. The ability to see oneself represented in education and media has a profound impact. Asian American and Pacific Islanders are the fastest-growing populations in Alaska. SB 131 is not just about teaching history but also about validating the experiences of students who deserve to feel seen. She shared her desire for her children and all children to be empowered by the stories of Asian American and Pacific Islanders who have made significant contributions to the state and country. She said that SB 131 is a matter of public safety and recounted a personal experience of being intimidated by classmates for her identity. She expressed hope that future generations will not experience such discrimination and urged the committee to pass SB 131 with haste, ensuring that future generations have the representation they need to feel a sense of belonging and pride in their heritage. 3:39:24 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI closed public testimony on SB 131. 3:39:30 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI solicited a motion. 3:39:32 PM SENATOR CLAMAN moved to report SB 131, work order 33-LS0769\A, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 3:39:50 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI found no objection and SB 131 was reported from the Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.
Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
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Support SB 131.pdf |
SSTA 3/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
LETTER SUPPORT SB131.pdf |
SSTA 3/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
SB 193 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SSTA 3/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 193 |
SB0193A.pdf |
SSTA 3/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 193 |
SB 193 DPS Fiscal Note.pdf |
SSTA 3/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 193 |
SB 193 DPS Presentation.pdf |
SSTA 3/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 193 |
Letter of Support.pdf |
SSTA 3/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 193 Letter of Support |
SB 193 Transmittal Letter.pdf |
SSTA 3/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 193 |
Make.Us.Visible. AK.Support SB 131.pdf |
SSTA 3/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |
Japanese.American.Citizen.Leaugue.Alaska.Chapter. SB 131. Letter of Support.pdf |
SSTA 3/12/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 131 |