Senator.Jesse.Bjorkman@akleg.gov

(907) 283-7996

The 34th Legislature is off to a fast start, and I am thankful to have an amazing team working with me to improve business, schools, public safety and roads on the Kenai Peninsula. More of our legislation is being introduced weekly. We are working to improve professional licensure, allow flexibility for food delivery drivers, improve foster care outcomes, protect and modernize charitable gaming, provide a path forward for east side set netters, and much more.

Education funding is top of mind for many as KPBSD is once again facing massive cuts to educational opportunities because of uncertain one-time funding that was placed outside the base student allocation formula. I believe that if we expect better educational outcomes, then we need to invest at a level capable of delivering the results that we expect.

Please let me know when you have ideas, concerns, or questions. Call 907-283-7996.

I’m thankful for the hard working and dedicated fire chiefs we have on the Kenai Peninsula. I know I can count on them to protect our friends and neighbors through their prevention and response efforts. They were in the Capitol this week and I was happy to have the opportunity to meet with them and hear how the Legislature can support their work.

Alaska employers struggling with recruiting and keeping employees may want to consider apprenticeships. The Labor and Commerce Committee heard a presentation from the Dept. of Labor demonstrating how apprenticeships increase employee retention, lower recruitment costs, and produce $1.47 in productivity for every $1 spent on the program. Interested? Contact the Department of Labor’s Division of Employment and Training Services to see how they can support a new apprenticeship at your organization. https://labor.alaska.gov/dets/home.htm

In the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, which I chair, we are cutting government red tape for Alaska’s hospitality businesses. Senate Bill 15 would allow restaurants and other establishments that serve alcohol to hire 18,19- and 20-year-olds if there are protections to ensure underage employees aren’t drinking. I think it’s important that we find common sense legislation like this that cuts unnecessary and burdensome regulations for Alaska businesses while still providing important protections for our kids.

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Senator Jesse Bjorkman | State Capitol Room 3, Juneau, AK 99801-1182