SB 150-TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY  1:51:03 PM CHAIR MYERS announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 150 "An Act establishing the second Monday of September of each year as Truck Driver Appreciation Day." 1:51:23 PM At ease 1:52:56 PM CHAIR MYERS reconvened the meeting. 1:53:01 PM DAWSON MANN, Staff, Senator Robert Myers, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, paraphrased the sponsor statement on behalf of the sponsor for SB 150. [Original punctuation provided.] 1:53:28 PM The continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have illustrated a number of breakdowns in our global economy and distribution systems. The recent struggles with the global and state supply chain have led to growing attention for the unsung backbone of our modern economy: truck drivers. Almost every industry in the world requires trucking to keep running. Most notably, nearly every industry that sells physical goods needs truck drivers to transport those goods. Unfortunately, despite their critical role in our economy, truck drivers have been in short supply with their ranks ravaged by retirements and resignations as individuals move to less stressful occupations. Truck drivers often face various occupational challenges such as irregular hours, long stints away from home, and in Alaska hazardous road conditions. Even as the pandemic slowed many industries and occupations truck drivers remained hard at work. That is why it is an important time for Alaska to pay respect and thank the hundreds of professional truck drivers in our state for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of our economy's most demanding and important jobs. 1:54:47 PM SB 150 establishes the second Monday of September of each year as Truck Driver Appreciation Day in alignment with the National Truck Driver Appreciation week. The goal of this bill is to codify Alaska's unique respect for the truck driving industry and provided appreciation for those who work vigilantly to keep our shelves stocked. 1:55:11 PM MR. MANN stated that late last year, Alaskans provided feedback on the supply chain breakdowns, including sending photos of empty store shelves in Interior and Southcentral Alaska. 1:56:19 PM CHAIR MYERS opened public testimony on SB 150. 1:56:45 PM PHILIP WHITLATCH, Line Driver Supervisor, Crowley Fuel; Board Member, Alaska Trucking Association, Palmer, Alaska, spoke in support of SB 150. He stated it is a commonly held American value to honor those who work for Alaskan/s benefit and wellbeing. The truck drivers in the state work to benefit Alaskans. He pointed out that freezing rain in Anchorage today created hazardous road conditions, yet truck drivers continued to deliver fuel to their customers. Further, many drivers spend a lot of time away from home. He highlighted that if a motorist has an accident on a lonely stretch of highway, the first responders on the scene are often truck drivers. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring truck drivers in Alaska. He urged members to assist truck drivers by handling other issues that affect drivers. 1:58:41 PM RANDY EFIRD, Assistant Terminal Manager, Weaver Brothers, Anchorage, Alaska, stated that every item in grocery stores, gas stations, liquor stores, dealerships, and box stores arrived via a truck driver. If truck drivers did not deliver goods, consumers would lack necessities in a few days. This bill will honor truck drivers performing their jobs. 1:59:30 PM SAMANTHA BROWN, Manager, United Freight; Board Member, Alaska Trucking Association, Anchorage, Alaska, stated that truck drivers deserve recognition for their crucial role in Alaska's economy. Alaska has skilled, educated truck drivers who sacrifice so much to perform their work. Truck drivers are essential but often are not credited for the recognition they deserve. They work long hours, away from their families for extended periods, encounter inclement weather and poor driving conditions, and face obstacles on a daily basis. Most people don't fully understand the adversity the drivers face. She noted that Alaska has truck driver shortages that also adds stress to drivers who work to meet the demand for goods. Without truck drivers, every industry and individual in Alaska would be adversely impacted. She offered her view that SB 150 will show Alaska's appreciation for truck drivers and help to educate the general public on the crucial work they perform. 2:00:47 PM JOE MICHEL, Executive Director, Alaska Trucking Association (ATA), Anchorage, Alaska, spoke in support of SB 150. This bill highlights the critical impact and service of the professional women and men who drive trucks supporting Alaska's economy every day. It would be difficult to find a community in Alaska that is not impacted by the professional work truck drivers perform. He related that ATA appreciates that the Truck Driver Appreciation Day, the second Monday of September of each year, aligns with the National Truck Driver's Appreciation Week. Member companies have always observed that week by distributing food to drivers at state weigh stations, among other observances. He expressed his gratitude for the committee hearing SB 150. 2:01:41 PM CHAIR MYERS closed public testimony on SB 150. CHAIR MYERS solicited amendments from members but there were none. 2:02:00 PM At ease 2:08:42 PM CHAIR MYERS reconvened the meeting. 2:08:55 PM SENATOR SHOWER moved to report HB 150 [in error], work order 32-LS1277\A from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 2:09:09 PM At ease 2:10:19 PM CHAIR MYERS reconvened the meeting. He asked Senator Shower to restate the motion since he misspoke. [The committee treated it as though the committee had rescinded the previous motion.] 2:10:24 PM SENATOR SHOWER moved to report SB 150, work order 32- LS1277\A from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). CHAIR MYERS heard no objection, and SB 150 was reported from the Senate Transportation Standing Committee.