I’m holding a town hall meeting on April 20 with the Alaska Department of Transportation to talk about summer construction projects, report on road brine, and get your feedback on winter maintenance. The meeting is at the Kenai Borough Assembly Chambers at 144 North Binkley Street in Soldotna from noon to 3 pm. 

I believe it’s wrong to levy taxes on Alaskans simply because they have bought a home or property. Senate Bill 179, my bill to prohibit transfer taxes on the sale of real property, passed the Senate this week and now moves to the House for consideration. 

The Legislature is working on policies to improve the electric transmission system that serves the Railbelt. SB 257 and 217 would increase transmission capacity and restructure the fees electric utilities pay when transferring electrons from one region to another. The goal of the bills is to provide low-cost, reliable energy into the future, and I’m working to ensure that the rates Kenai Peninsula residents pay are as low as possible.  

Students from the KPBSD Connections Homeschool Program have their fantastic artwork on display in the capitol. It's great to see such talented work!

This was a busy week for my office, with the following bills presented in committee hearings:

 

·     SB 181 Child Placement; Diligent Search had its first hearing in the Senate Finance Committee. Members heard testimony from Alaska and national experts on the psychological impact it has on a child when they are moved from one home to another. The bill would provide better outcomes for foster kids by mandating OCS to undertake a diligent search for family placements within 30 days and provide judges with more latitude to make placement decisions in kids’ best interest.

·     SB 161 Tax Exemption for Farm Use Land was heard twice in the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee. SB 161 would encourage in-state food production by improving the program that provides farmers with property tax breaks.

·     SB 174 Honor & Remember/Honor & Sacrifice Flags was heard in the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee, and honors those who have fallen in the line of duty serving in the U.S. armed forces or as first responders.

·     SB 234 Extend Marijuana Control Board and SB 228 Extend Board of Massage Therapists both had hearings in the Senate Finance Committee. These Boards provide crucial oversight of their industries that protects their customers and the general public.

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