The 34th Legislature is off to a fast start, and I am thankful to have an amazing team working with me to improve our economy, schools, public safety and roads on the Kenai Peninsula. We are also working to improve professional licensure, allow flexibility for food delivery drivers, improve foster care outcomes, protect and modernize charitable gaming, provide a path forward for east side set netters, and much more.

Education funding is top of mind for many as the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is once again facing massive potential cuts to educational opportunities because of uncertain one-time funding that was placed outside the base student allocation formula last year. The amount of increased investment being proposed by the governor and the Legislature is not enough to avoid elimination of student learning opportunities. If we truly want a better education for our kids, then we need to invest at a level capable of delivering the results that we expect. I believe investments need to be made in career and technical education for grades 6-12 and additional reading and math instruction for K-5. However, nothing will improve outcomes more than students having high learning expectations set for them at home and at school by parents and teachers who care.

As chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, I am working to ensure our roads are well plowed and maintained. Also, we are investigating issues with project delays and working to ensure area projects meet the needs of our communities on the Kenai Peninsula.

In the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, which I also chair, we are cutting government red tape for Alaska’s hospitality businesses. Senate Bill 15 would allow restaurants and other establishments that serve alcohol to hire 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds if there are protections to ensure underage employees aren’t drinking. I think it’s important that we find common-sense legislation like this that cuts unnecessary and burdensome regulations for Alaska businesses while still providing important protections for our kids.

The Senate Resources Committee has heard my bill, Senate Bill 30. It will give disabled veterans a free parking pass at Alaska’s State Parks. Veterans who were injured in service to our country have earned the right to enjoy our state’s natural beauty.

I am honored to be your state senator and I want to hear from you. You’re welcome to call my office at 907-283-7996 or email me at Sen.Jesse.Bjorkman@akleg.gov. I hope you’ll take the time to share your questions and ideas.