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I'm holding a town hall meeting on April 20 with the Alaska Department of Transportation to talk about the 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.
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I am proud to support the increased ability for Alaskans, especially senior citizens on Medicare, to control their health care choices by passing SB 45 on concurrence. The bill allows patients and healthcare providers to enter into direct health care agreements. In these agreements, the patient pays a flat, periodic fee for primary care services from a healthcare provider instead of billing insurance for every doctor’s visit. I am thankful that this bill reduces bureaucracy and increases a patient’s medical freedom.
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Employers and employees in Alaska would
have a simpler option for drug and alcohol testing under Senate Bill 196, which passed the Senate unanimously. Sponsored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, which I chair, the bill would add saliva or “oral fluids” to the samples an employer may collect for testing. Learn more here.
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Senate Bill 228, which extends the Board of Massage Therapists for six years, passed the Senate unanimously. The volunteer board provides important oversight of their industry, ensuring Alaskans are protected when receiving these services. Board members bring their extensive experience to setting qualification and continuing education requirements, applying updated industry standards, and assisting with investigations, which saves the state money. They also bring their experience to the review of applications and reject those that show signs of human trafficking in order to maintain the safety of Alaskans and the professional standards of the industry.
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Senate Bill 182, which would extend the Big Game Commercial Services Board (BGCSB), was heard in the Senate Finance Committee. The Board plays an important role in managing the activities of hunting guides and transporters to protect the interests of the State's wildlife resources. Senate Bill 248 would provide support staff for the all-volunteer BGCSB and passed from the Senate Resources committee.
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