The Alaska Senate Labor and Commerce Committee has a full plate this week, with important meetings on workforce and healthcare, Sen. Jesse Bjorkman (R-Nikiski) said.
On Monday, UAA heard a presentation on workforce development programs offered for youth and workers who need to update their skills. Bjorkman highlighted the significance of such initiatives in enhancing the labor market.
“UAA will be discussing the different workforce development options that are readily available for youths and for people who are youths, and for working adults who want to gain some skills and go to work,” Bjorkman said. “Whether you are a beginner or wanting to change careers, these programs offer course that can help.”
In the latter part of the week, the committee is set to examine two important pieces of insurance legislation. One bill seeks to simplify and update the Alaska insurance laws so that more people can understand and use the regulations.
“We are going to look at some legislation that will improve the effectiveness of the business insurance and individual insurance transactions,” Bjorkman explained.
Also, lawmakers are to examine a bill concerning prior authorization in healthcare. The proposed bill would decrease the delay of routine care for patients by allowing providers with good approval histories to skip the time-consuming authorization process.
“We just don’t want people that need healthcare to have to wait to get it,” Bjorkman said.
The Labor and Commerce Committee is all set for a busy week’s worth of discussions on workforce development, business regulations, and healthcare efficiency.