HB 142-ESTABLISH ELDERS' DAY  8:56:09 AM CHAIR STOLTZE announced the consideration of HB 142. 8:57:20 AM ANDREA WATTS, Staff, Representative Neil Foster, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided an overview of HB 142 as follows: House Bill 142 is an act that establishes Elders' Day. Elders of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds hold a special place in the hearts of Alaskans. Elders' knowledge and experiences provide a link from the past to the present, a link that connects us to our ancestors. Elders also serve a vital role as teachers and mentors, guiding younger generations through the many facets of life. Celebrating and honoring our elders on winter solstice, a time of change and optimism, not only recognizes the value of those who came before us, but the significance of the lessons and knowledge they selflessly leave behind for us to take into the future. CHAIR STOLTZE asked if there is a specific date for winter solstice. MS. WATTS explained that depending on the year, winter solstice various from December 21-22. CHAIR STOLTZE asked if winter solstice has any religious connotations. MS. WATTS answered that there may have been connotations in the past, but the bill just recognizes the change of time and seasons. SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked for a definition of elders. MS. WATTS answered that elder denotes respect and dignity. He specified that elder is a word that really exemplifies a person who is honored in their community. She said an elder could be a teacher, grandparent, coach, or military veteran. She summarized that a person honored as an elder really is in the eye of the beholder. SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI asked if there is an age when a person becomes an elder. MS. WATTS answered no. CHAIR STOLTZE asked if the statutes might have to be tightened to determine what "venerable" is. MS. WATTS replied that "venerable" is determined by an individual's perception of the elder. 8:59:33 AM DENISE DANIELLO, Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Aging, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Juneau, Alaska, read a statement of support as follows: Alaska's elders, regardless of their culture, ethnic heritage, or where they live, are valuable members of our society; their wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and vast experiences should be honored and shared to enrich everyone's life. Older people have lived long, they have successes as well as mistakes and they have learned from these life experiences; for this reason, Alaska's elders, tradition bearers, pioneer, and mentors who link the past with the present can help future generations by offering their wisdom and guidance to keep life moving forward in a positive direction. Just because this is a concisely stated piece of legislation, please don't undervalue its significance. We feel that Alaska's older people are truly a renewable resource and each one of us has the responsibility to honor and respect our elders, this is something that our parents have taught us over many generations. The renowned Tlingit elder, Dr. Walter Soboleff, has reminded us to take care of the old person that we will become, so we think this is sage advice and appreciate your hearing of this bill today. CHAIR STOLTZE asked where her perception was derived that elders were undervalued. MS. DANIELLO replied that she did not mean to say that any committee member undervalues elders. 9:02:00 AM SENATOR COGHILL moved to report HB 142 [29-LS0456\W] from committee with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal note. CHAIR STOLTZE announced that without objection, HB 142 moves out of Senate State Affairs Standing Committee.