HJR 25-INTERNATIONAL TEACHER VISAS  3:56:54 PM CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25 am Supporting and encouraging the continued recruitment and retention of international educators on J-1 and H-1B visas in the state. 3:57:14 PM At ease. 3:57:42 PM CHAIR TOBIN reconvened the meeting. 3:57:54 PM MICHAEL MASON, Staff, Senator Löki Tobin, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, introduced HJR 25 stating it is identical legislation to SJR 21, that the committee has heard. [Passing] the resolution would put on record that the Alaska Legislature supports the J-1 and H-1B visa programs and international teachers. International teachers have become a vital resource to Alaska's schools. He mentioned there are many areas across the state that rely on the J-1 and H-1B visa programs to fill vacant teaching positions for the benefit of student education. 3:59:05 PM CHAIR TOBIN opened public testimony on HJR 25; finding none, she closed public testimony. 3:59:31 PM SENATOR STEVENS stated that someone had expressed concern about students having difficulty understanding teachers from the Philippines. He responded by sharing that his two granddaughters praised their Filipino teachers and found them effective and well-liked. He emphasized the shortage of American teachers and supported hiring qualified teachers from the Philippines. He voiced strong support for the bill. 4:00:03 PM CHAIR TOBIN solicited the will of the committee. 4:00:05 PM SENATOR STEVENS moved to report HJR 25 am, work order 34- LS0947\A.A, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 4:00:20 PM CHAIR TOBIN found no objection and HJR 25 am was reported from the Senate Education Standing Committee.