JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) _ The Alaska Legislature has passed a bill symbolically recognizing 20 Alaska Native languages as official languages of the state.
Supporters of HB216 staged a sit-in at the Capitol Sunday, which was the last scheduled day of the 90-day session, to urge lawmakers to take up the bill. Because this is the second year of this Legislature, any bills not passed by adjournment will die.
Supporters filled the Senate galleries, waiting for the bill to be taken up. They stood during the debate and applauded following the vote, which came after 3 a.m. Monday. At least one woman wiped away tears.
The bill prompted emotional testimony in committee hearings. Sen. Fred Dyson, who carried the bill on the floor, said this was a way to show respect for Alaska’s indigenous people.
Related Posts
Racially harassed employees in NC get verdict, $243k award upheld 
Tibetan monk self-immolates inside China temple- Tufts NSBE “How Engineers Make a World of Difference” 2012 IEEE Video
- Hispanics Turn to Internet for Political News but Use is Determined by Several Factors
This Map Shows What Millennials Earn in Every State — and What It’s Really Worth
