On Wednesday September 6th, Peninsula Senator Jesse Bjorkman the Kenai Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon to discuss some of the concerns that are spreading throughout the community.
According to Sen. Bjorkman, the cost of inflation has caused a severe decrease in the funding that goes towards education.
So far, the funding is down $300 million dollars since 2015.
“And so because of that schools have had to do more with less for a long time,” said Bjorkman.
Because of this, along with the rising cost of health care, schools have had to cut many things such a s counselors and extra curriculars.
And while there are some opportunities for the community to help combat this, there lies another issue: transportation.
Bjorkman says that community sports have helped in the past, but not every kid is able to participate, making the number of participants smaller than originally anticipated.
“That means that those sports and activities are for kids who can get a ride to and from and kind of for transportation, or logistics that have to go on to those things, but this community is capable to do that.”
Bjorkman also has some concerns with the Peninsula’s current childcare shortage. He explains that the permit process can take months before it can get approved, which causes the process to go on for months.
“Those things have to be turned around on a tight timeframe so that folks can get their doors open and realize the return of their capital expenditure and initial investment.”
There is a nursing shortage within the area as well. According to Bjorkman, the central Peninsula hospitals are extending their reach to search for help. He explains that young students have more opportunities than ever get into this filed, and hopes they choose to utilize it.
“It’s great that we now have more nursing opportunities available educationally for young students, as young as middle school to get some training in the nursing field, through the AG program through Peninsula College, the community college that is here locally and that’s a great opportunity for them.”
Overall, Bjorkman hopes that the community can continue to work to support the kids and members alike to ensure everyone can reach their full potential for everyone’s benefit.
