Senator.Jesse.Bjorkman@akleg.gov

(907) 283-7996

People who hire a professional to build them a home should be able to count on the fact that what they are buying is safe and has the expected resale value. SB 197, establishing a residential building code that is the industry's minimum standard, only applies to licensed contractors - not people who want to build their own home. It also does not apply to recreational cabins. There is no active enforcement or inspectors under SB 197, the only enforcement comes from consumers themselves. This bill would allow someone who is ripped off by a contractor who does shoddy work to hold them accountable in court. What do you think of this idea? Let me know at sen.jesse.bjorkman@akleg.gov or at 907-283-7996.

I sponsored SB 171 to better ensure people benefiting from our resident sportfish, subsistence, and personal use bag limits are in fact year-round residents and don’t just use a local post office box as their home address. The Senate Resources Committee heard the bill this week.

Pharmacy benefit managers can prevent Alaskans from getting timely access to necessary, even lifesaving, prescriptions. These companies have business practices that force independent pharmacies out of business to save insurance companies money. I support SB 121, sponsored by Senator Cathy Giessel, to give Alaska pharmacies more leverage against these companies, to ensure Alaskans have access to the prescriptions they need.

Apply for the PFD! The March 31 deadline is fast approaching. Apply online at http://mypfd.alaska.gov. Paper applications are available at the Kenai Peninsula LIO, 145 Main Street Loop Suite 217, and other locations on the Kenai. LIO staff are happy to certify your documents and help you apply online.

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