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I want to hear from you, so I'm holding town hall meetings this month.
Saturday, February 17
· Cooper Landing: Sat. Feb. 17 10 am to noon at the Sunrise Inn, 21849 Sterling Highway
· Moose Pass: Sat. Feb. 17 1 pm to 3 pm at the Community Hall, Seward Highway in Moose Pass
Saturday, February 24
· Soldotna: Sat. Feb. 24 10 am to noon at the KPB Assembly Chambers, 144 North Binkley Street
· Nikiski: Sat. Feb. 24 1 pm to 3 pm at the Rec Center, 50097 Kenai Spur Highway
Can't make it? You're welcome to call my office at 907-283-7996 or email me at Sen.Jesse.Bjorkman@akleg.gov. I hope you’ll stop by to share your questions and ideas.
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Paying taxes because you chose to sell or transfer land or buildings is wrong. Taxes like this will increase the cost of purchasing a home - the largest investment most Alaskans will make in their lifetime. Transfer taxes also work to discourage new housing development at a time when we should be encouraging the construction of more housing. I introduced SB 179 to prohibit municipalities and the state from levying transfer taxes, fees, or other assessments on the transfer or sale of real property.
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The State of Alaska must ensure that kids receive the best possible care while they are in the State’s custody. I introduced SB 181 to encourage timely and diligent family searches to help place kids with family members, and to provide the State with more latitude to make placement decisions that are in a kid’s best interest.
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Some Kenai Peninsula residents have had the unfortunate experience of hiring licensed contractors to build them homes which turned out to be unsafe and uninhabitable. Without a statewide building code to provide a standard to which homes must be built, these Peninsula residents have little recourse to seek compensation for their losses. SB 197, my bill which would establish a statewide residential building code, will have its second hearing Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on Wednesday, February 21 at 1:30 pm. You can share your opinion during the hearing by calling 844-586-9085.
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Multiple studies have shown that when teachers achieve their National Board Certification, they become markedly more effective teachers, and their students learn more. Because of this positive impact, I introduced SB 215 to offer a pay raise to educators that achieve this certification. The recognition of additional education and expertise will encourage more educators to pursue National Board Certification, making them better teachers and encouraging them to remain in our state with increased compensation for their additional skills.
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In support of workforce development, the Alaska Education Tax Credit Program included in SB 120, continues to advance. The program allows Alaska corporations to offset their tax burden by supporting workforce development. SB 120 increases the amount a corporation can donate annually to $5 million and expands the types of educational institutions eligible for donations.
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