HB 88: MAY 1 IS FAMILY DAY/MAY IS FAMILY MONTH REP. CON BUNDE, SPONSOR OF HB 88, spoke on the history of the bill. He said Massoud Shadzad, a sociologist and promoter of a family day holiday, had approached him to express concern about the troubled state of the American family and his hope that a "Family Day" holiday, like Mother's Day or Father's Day, might draw attention to the problems, challenges and importance of families. REP. BUNDE continued, noting possible concerns that such a bill might better take the form of a resolution, which lasts but one year. Such a resolution had been introduced last year, but Mr. Shadzad had sought a more permanent, possibly a national holiday, Rep. Bunde said. Several states have already passed such bills, he noted, and it would not cost the state any money, nor set a precedent that might obligate the state to create a legal day off from work. Number 104 MASSOUD SHADZAD, PRESIDENT OF PROMPT FOUNDATION, INC, For Preservation of Family, and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse, testified in favor of HB 88. (His written testimony is herein incorporated and identified as Attachment 1.) He said he has in 25 years of observation and research watched the America family disintegrate under assault from poverty, unemployment, violence, apathy, abuse, self-centeredness and other ills. He proposed setting aside May 1 as "Family Day" and May as "Preservation of the Family Month" as a reminder of the family's importance, and as an opportunity to do good for individuals, families and communities. The committee discussed the origin of the expression "Mayday" as a distress signal. Number 250 REP. BETTYE DAVIS asked how news of such a day would be promulgated if there were no funds appropriated, and what department of state government would administer such a holiday. REP. BUNDE answered that he believed volunteer advocates and the press would spread awareness of the day, possibly with assistance from merchants. REP. B. DAVIS speculated as to whether Family Day would become a commercial holiday, akin to Mothers or Fathers Days, which are the occasion for theme sales and commercial promotions. Number 275 MR. SHADZAD said that six other states have passed similar bills, at no cost to them. He stated that he has borne much of the costs. He stated President Bill Clinton signed such a bill while governor of Arkansas. REP. GARY DAVIS expressed concern over establishing a precedent by establishing a commemorative memorial day such as Family Day in statute instead of via resolution. He asked for information about whether HB 88 would establish a precedent. Number 305 MR. SHADZAD recalled starting his efforts to create a national, possibly international, holiday in Oregon in 1989. He expressed the hope that such a holiday might encourage scholars and politicians to encourage self-supporting programs to aid communities as larger families. Number 322 REP. BUNDE said Alaska statutes already designate four or five other commemorative days. He stated that, in a broad sense, it was the intent of HB 88 to establish a precedent in support of national recognition of Family Day. He said he introduced the measure as a bill, not a resolution, because resolutions last only a year. Number 330 REP. G. DAVIS said he would prefer to delay action on HB 88, but indicated a willingness to bow to the committee's wishes. REP. HARLEY OLBERG questioned whether such measures as creation of a holiday are not accomplished by governor's proclamation. REP. BUNDE repeated that the governor had signed such a proclamation last year, but it had expired after a year. Number 344 CHAIR TOOHEY called a brief at-ease at 3:25 p.m. She called the meeting back to order at 3:27 p.m. REP. BUNDE read from the Alaska Statutes, starting with 44.12.030, listing Wickersham Day, Anthony J. Dimond Day, Ernest Gruening Day, Bob Bartlett Day, William A. Egan Day, and Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. CHAIR TOOHEY asked the will of the committee. REP. BUNDE moved passage without objection. REP. IRENE NICHOLIA asked for time to discuss HB 88. CHAIR TOOHEY called a brief at-ease, then called the meeting back to order two minutes later. She announced passage of HB 88 from the committee with individual recommendations.