CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 130(STA) "An Act establishing the Alaska Native Language Preservation and Advisory Council and relating to the preservation, restoration, and revitalization of Alaska Native languages." Co-Chair Stoltze turned over the gavel to Vice-chair Fairclough. Representative Wilson MOVED to ADOPT proposed committee substitute (CS) for CSSB 130(FIN) Work Draft 27-LS0779\R, (Mischel, 4/9/12) as a working document. Representative Doogan OBJECTED for discussion. JOE MICHEL, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE BILL STOLTZE, communicated that the only change included in the CS was the addition of Section (f) on page 2, line 26, that read "the department shall provide staff as needed to support the council; the staff must demonstrate competency in an Alaska Native language." Representative Doogan WITHDREW his objection. There being NO further OBJECTION, the CS was ADOPTED. Vice-chair Fairclough read the bill title for the committee. She OPENED public testimony. DAISY-MAY BARRERA, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS STUDENT, BETHEL (via teleconference), provided opening testimony in her native Yupik language. She voiced her support for the bill. She believed the bill was very important for future generations. She recommended the appointment of an elder to the council; elders were viewed as the foundation and backbone of their cultural ideas and traditions. The elder would serve as a guide and mentor in the establishment of a very important program. Additionally, she advised the appointment of a young person to serve on the council as a role model for Alaskan youths. She believed the appointment would send a powerful message that indigenous languages were part of Alaska's heritage and needed to be protected. She believed that the involvement of multiple parties would help to rebuild relationships and to repair differing worlds. The leadership of the legislature joining with the 12 regions would develop the healthiest approach to identify the need of each language to be protected for the future. She closed her testimony in Yupik and thanked the committee for its time. UKALLAYSAAQ OKLEASIK, PLANNING DIRECTOR, NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH, KOTZEBUE (via teleconference), testified in support of the bill. The borough supported the Alaska Native Language Advisory Council and believed it was long overdue. He encouraged the passage of the bill in order to preserve and advance the state's proud cultural heritage. Linguists around the world considered Alaska Native languages to be endangered. He stated that the disappearance of the languages had huge social implications that included depression, self-destructive behaviors, and community shame. The council would be a positive step towards putting healthy communities forward. Within the Northwest Arctic region the Inupaiq language was in serious decline. Studies indicated that only 18 percent of the population could understand the language and only 14 percent could speak it fluently. He stressed that immediate action was needed in order to strengthen the languages. Borough resolutions had been passed recognizing the importance of the native language; the language could increase cultural heritage, support sustainable communities, and encourage collaboration among generations. He reiterated the borough's support of the bill. CRYSTAL ROGERS, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA SOUTHEAST STUDENT, JUNEAU (via teleconference), offered a younger generation perspective. She began her testimony in her native language. She highlighted that there were more young people studying their native languages than may be realized. She stated that there were many youths committed to learning their native languages and that help was needed from the legislature and the governor. She supported the passage of the bill and thanked the committee for its time. 2:39:22 PM Vice-chair Fairclough CLOSED public testimony. Representative Wilson reviewed the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development fiscal note. The request was $240,200 for FY 13 and $216,200 for outlying years from FY 14 through FY 18. Funding would pay for two new full- time positions. Representative Guttenberg asked whether there were any amendments. Vice-chair Fairclough replied that an amendment by Co-Chair Thomas had been rolled into the CS. Representative Wilson asked for verification that there was only one fiscal note. Vice-chair Fairclough answered in the affirmative. 2:41:03 PM Representative Doogan expressed strong support for the bill. Representative Joule MOVED to report HCS for CSSB 130(FIN) out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. HCS CSSB 130(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with previously published fiscal impact note: FN2 (CED).