HB 101-TED STEVENS DAY  CHAIR LYNN announced that the first order of business was HOUSE BILL NO. 101, "An Act establishing November 18 of each year as Ted Stevens Day." 8:17:45 AM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER moved to adopt the committee substitute (CS) for HB 101, Version 27-LS0221\B, Wayne, 1/27/11, as a work draft. REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON objected for discussion purposes. 8:17:59 AM REPRESENTATIVE CRAIG JOHNSON, Alaska State Legislature, introduced HB 101 as chair of the House Rules Standing Committee, sponsor. 8:18:36 AM ERIN SHINE, Staff, Representative Craig Johnson, Alaska State Legislature, presented HB 101 on behalf of Representative Johnson, chair of the House Rules Standing Committee, sponsor. She said following former U.S. Senator Theodore F. "Ted" Stevens' death on August 9, 2010, Governor Sean Parnell declared November 18 - Senator Stevens' birthday - in 2010 to be "Ted Stevens Day." Ms. Shine said HB 101 initially was drafted with the intent to establish Ted Stevens Day in Alaska to be celebrated each year on November 18; however the Stevens family requested the date be changed to the fourth Saturday in July, a summer date that would make it possible for Alaskans to celebrate the day in the great outdoors so loved by Senator Stevens. She explained that Version B reflects that date change. 8:21:24 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON removed her objection to the motion to adopt the committee substitute (CS) for HB 101, Version 27- LS0221\B, Wayne, 1/27/11, as a work draft. There being no further objection, Version B was before the committee. 8:22:16 AM MITCH ROSE testified in support of HB 101. He noted that he worked for Senator Ted Stevens in Washington, D.C., for nine years, both as Senator Stevens' press secretary and chief of staff, during which time he accompanied Senator Stevens on nine of his addresses to the Alaska State Legislature. He said Senator Stevens spoke to him about his memories of "his service in Juneau" and the important role of [the legislature]. He thanked the legislature for considering this bill as a way to honor Senator Stevens. MR. ROSE quoted U.S. Senator [Lisa] Murkowski as having said, "Ted was Alaska." Mr. Rose said the list of accomplishments of Senator Stevens is too long to fully recite, but he gave credit to Senator Stevens for his work regarding: ANCSA, Title 9, The Marine Mammal Protection Act, The Magnuson Stevens Act, The Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, The Pipeline Authorization Act, and the Denali Commission. He said Senator Stevens touched many people's lives and devoted his life to hard work and bipartisan effort. He credited Senator Stevens for his work related to airports, railroads, hospitals, and schools, and for his devotion to Alaska. Mr. Rose concluded by expressing his hope that the adoption of Ted Stevens Day would provide the opportunity for people to enjoy the outdoors and think of the man who tirelessly supported Alaska. CHAIR LYNN noted that U.S. Senator Stevens had previously served in the Alaska State Legislature and in the military. 8:24:43 AM REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG reminisced about once having worked as Ted Stevens' staff. He said he thinks that Senator Stevens was the most remarkable person he met, and HB 101 is the least that can be done to honor the man. 8:25:44 AM TARA SWEENEY, Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, testified in support of HB 101. She echoed Mr. Rose's remarks about the many lives touched by U.S. Senator Stevens. She said modern-day Alaska was built because of the representation of Senator Stevens. She indicated that moving Ted Stevens Day to the fourth [Saturday] of July will promote enjoyment of the outdoors that Senator Stevens loved so much. She said it is also a great opportunity for Alaskans to teach future generations about the legacy of Senator Stevens. 8:27:47 AM LILY SEAMAN BECKER (ph) testified in support of HB 101. She relayed that she is the youngest of Ted Stevens' six children. She stated that the family is honored that HB 101 has been proposed, and she confirmed Ms. Shine's remark that the end of July is a fitting time to celebrate the memory of Senator Stevens. Ms. Becker said that is the time her father would return home to Alaska to enjoy the U.S. Senate's recess in August. She shared memories of discovering fishing holes around the state with her father, and his insistence that those in Washington, D.C., making decisions that affect Alaska, must come experience its rugged beauty for themselves. Ms. Becker said her father's service of over 40 years inspires her daily, and she expressed her hope that Ted Stevens Day will be a day for Alaskans to enjoy the great outdoors, to be healthy and active, and to celebrate the state. MS. BECKER quoted her father as having said the following to the Alaska State Legislature: While we may at times disagree on the path, we can all agree on our goal: Just do what's right for Alaska; Alaska succeeds when Alaskans work together. MS. BECKER urged the committee to support HB 101. CHAIR LYNN offered his condolences to the family of U.S. Senator Stevens for their loss, and remarked upon the loss to the state with his passing. 8:30:17 AM CHAIR LYNN, after ascertaining that there was no one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony. 8:30:26 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON emphasized her appreciation for HB 101, and said she is amazed by the work of U.S. Senator Stevens. 8:31:03 AM REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN said he only interfaced with U.S. Senator Stevens for a short while, but is honored to have done so. He expressed his support of HB 101. 8:32:15 AM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON opined that HB 101 is a fitting tribute to the work of U.S. Senator Stevens, who worked toward solutions for Alaska. 8:33:11 AM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER moved to report (CS) for HB 101, Version 27-LS0221\B, Wayne, 1/27/11, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 101(STA) was reported out of the House State Affairs Standing Committee.