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Hello!
Thank
you to everyone who came out to events over the weekend in Moose
Pass, two events in Soldotna and Nikiski! Representative Elam and I
loved hearing from constituents about the issues you care about. I
will be back on the Peninsula again in April for more townhalls and
updates. Information on upcoming town halls is in my weekly
radio spots, on my Facebook and Instagram pages, and in this
newsletter. Feel free to share with your neighbors!
The
world changed overnight Friday with the beginning of war with Iran.
This conflict will change the State’s revenue outlook if it causes
the price of oil to rise and remain high. There may be more available
cash projected, but it is not guaranteed. We must keep downward
pressure on the budget and continue to focus on Constitutional
mandates for State spending and eliminate unwarranted items. The war
with Iran could also change the outlook for the AKLNG project as
well. We will all be paying close attention to those markets and what
is happening in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
Legislation
that I have sponsored continue to progress through the legislature.
The items to be heard this week will: limit property tax increases
(SB 259), protect the rights of delivery drivers to remain as
independent contractors (SB 35), help East Side setnet permit holders
(SB 158), and provide students with higher academic goals in high
school (SB 209).
I
am honored to be your effective advocate in Juneau. Please contact my
office when you have ideas or concerns by calling 907-283-7996 or by
email at sen.jesse.bjorkman@akleg.gov.
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Join
DOT for two open houses in March to discuss the Sterling Safety
Corridor project:
Tuesday,
March 3, 4 - 6 pm
Sterling
Community Center Gym
38377
Swanson River Road, Sterling
Wednesday,
March 4, 4 - 6 pm
Soldotna
Public Library Community Room
235
N. Binkley St., Soldotna
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Homeowners’
wealth and equity increase as the real value of property rises. But,
when local assessed values shoot up, it can hit hard, especially for
people on fixed incomes or those who’ve lived in their homes for
decades. That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 259. I believe local
governments need to set strict limits on how much assessed values can
go up each year. Senate Bill 259 is having its first hearing this
week in the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee.
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Drivers
for Instacart, DoorDash, and Walmart Spark are hugely
important to many on the Kenai. These delivery jobs
are a great fit for many folks looking to make extra
cash. Drivers get to be their own boss, pick
hours, choose gigs, and work as much or as little
as they want. It’s incredible!
I’ve introduced
Senate Bill 35 to make sure drivers remain independent
contractors and have vital insurance
coverage. We can’t let overregulation stop these
services that Alaskans rely on. SB 35 is getting a hearing in the
Senate Labor & Commerce Committee. This is a win for all the
great drivers out there!
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Senate
Bill 209 is a tremendous bill. It’s going to set real,
measurable learning goals for all students so families and the
public can see exactly what kids are achieving. This bill is all
about making sure our students are on track to succeed and making
sure we’re not falling behind.
Here’s what
it does:
First,
it requires the Department of Education to make sure the academic
standards in core subjects for grades 8, 10, and 12 line up with what
students need to graduate - simple and fair.
Then, we’re measuring proficiency at
those key grade levels to make sure students
are hitting the mark. And the best
part? We’re giving a “seal of proficiency” on the diploma
for those who meet the 12th-grade standards,
its truly great stuff.
Senate
Bill 209 has its first hearing in the Senate Education Committee this
week. This is a big step for Alaska’s future!
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