The first session of the 34th Alaska State Legislature has ended. I am humbled by the opportunity to go to Juneau and work hard to represent the interests and concerns of folks from the Kenai Peninsula. Here are three items that will have a lasting impact.
Secure education funding and reform
House Bill 57 is now law. One of the final acts of the Legislature this session was to vote overwhelmingly to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of the K-12 education bill. HB 57 places education funding inside of the BSA formula instead of paying out “one time” money and includes nine of the governor’s requested policy reforms. The bill reduces barriers to begin and renew charter schools, sets target class sizes, creates a school cellphone policy, and provides for reading grants and additional investment in career and technical education.
The State of Alaska is projected to spend 2.5% less on K-12 education for next school year (FY26) than it did this school year (FY25) even with the increase in HB 57. This drop is due to declining enrollment in Alaska schools. However, Gov. Dunleavy has threatened to veto the funding that covers the cost of implementing this bill when he signs the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget.
Insurance reforms
This year the Legislature passed two of my insurance reform bills.
Senate Bill 132 cuts red tape for contractors and allows them to combine insurance policies on large construction projects, it protects homeowners from having policies cancelled unfairly, and curtails powerful Pharmacy Benefit Managers. SB 132 gives the Division of Insurance authority to regulate extended warranties for cars and aircraft insurance rates — making sure consumers aren’t getting ripped off. The bill will not require any additional staff and is estimated to contribute at least $470,000 to the general fund each year.
Alaskans should not have to fight their health insurance company to get the medical care they need. Senate Bill 133 requires insurance companies to provide swift prior approvals for medical care, and directs insurance companies and health care providers to use secure online systems to expedite the process, safeguard private health information, and reduce paperwork. It also requires longer term approvals for patients with chronic health conditions so they don’t have to keep reapplying for the same treatment.
Chamber presentation
I am happy to be back from Juneau and home on the Kenai Peninsula! I will be presenting on my work in Juneau to a joint meeting of the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce at noon on Wednesday, June 4, at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center at 11471 Kenai Spur Highway. You can RSVP at kenaichamber.com.
I am honored to be your state senator. 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.
