SB 2-EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: VETERAN & SPOUSES  2:42:14 PM CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SB 2. "An Act relating to a voluntary preference for veterans and for spouses and domestic partners of veterans by private employers." 2:42:47 PM SENATOR BILL WIELECHOWSKI, Sponsor of SB 2, introduced SB 2 speaking to the following sponsor statement: Our country is emerging from a decade of war and reducing the total number of combat forces. In an already challenging economic climate, these men and women who have honorable served must now make their case that the skills acquired in the military translate into civilian employment. Senate Bill 2 permits private sector employers to extend a hiring preference to veterans, and their spouse or domestic partner, without violating Alaska Human Rights Law. It is a Department of Defense priority and a policy the State of Alaska already permits in public sector hiring. This bill expands opportunities for veterans and aims to help bring down the unacceptably high unemployment rate among them. It also gives private employers greater flexibility in choosing to hire veterans. As the number of veterans in the American workforce has increased dramatically, supporting these brave men and women is of the utmost importance. I hope that you will join me in helping to make the transition back into civilian life a smooth one for our military families. SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI said he is unaware of any lawsuits that have occurred over this hiring preference. Alaska has a long history of being friendly to veterans and SB 2 is another step to show appreciation for the service of veterans. He highlighted that, based on recent legal advice, he is suggesting several changes to the legislation and submitted a proposed committee substitute that encompasses those changes. CHAIR COSTELLO asked how many veteran are in Alaska and how many are unemployed. 2:45:32 PM KALYSSA MAILE, Staff, Senator Bill Wielechowski, reported that in Alaska about one person in 10 is a veteran, which is among the highest rate in the nation. The latest national rates show that 18 to 24 year old veterans have an 18.7 percent unemployment rate as compared to 11.6 percent for non-veterans in the same age cohort. Twenty-five to 34 year old veterans have a 7.4 percent unemployment rate versus a 5.7 percent rate for non-veterans. Across the whole population, the unemployment rate for veterans is 5.7 percent versus 5.3 percent for non-veterans. SENATOR STEVENS asked why the bill includes spouses and domestic partners. SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI replied the proposed CS removes both spouses and domestic partners. CHAIR COSTELLO asked what groups have stated or submitted written support for the legislation. MS. MAILE said the U.S. Department of Defense has said this is a priority and other folks have stated informal support. She offered to reach out more and provide the letters of support as they come in. 2:48:13 PM MARK SANSOUCE, Regional Representative, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), Tacoma, Washington, testified in support of SB 2. He said he didn't want to be redundant, but wanted to clarify that this is a voluntary effort. Private sector companies want to hire veterans because of their unique skill sets and reliability, but are hesitant out of fear of being sued under Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is an attempt to alleviate that fear. He said that since the public sector in all 50 states has accepted practices for veteran preference in hiring, the language in SB 2 will allow the private sector to have those policies. He noted that while this is a new issue for DOD, it is not a new issue for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). At the instigation of NCSL, 13 states have passed similar legislation. He referenced the statistics Ms. Maile reported and highlighted that last year over 2,000 people separated from the active reserve and National Guard components and returned to call Alaska home. CHAIR COSTELLO opened public testimony for SB 2. 2:51:43 PM SENATOR MEYER asked what version is before the committee. 2:51:53 PM At ease 2:52:47 PM CHAIR COSTELLO reconvened the meeting and stated that the committee would work with the sponsor on the CS. Finding no testifiers she closed public testimony. SENATOR STEVENS asked if the Coast Guard is included. MS. MAILE said that has been discussed and could be included in the CS. CHAIR COSTELLO stated that she would hold SB 2 in committee for further consideration and forthcoming CS.