Bill > HJR39

This resolution urges the federal government to waive the new, significantly increased H-1B visa fees, which now cost $100,000 per person, for individuals hired as teachers in the state. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, and in this context, it's being used by school districts to fill critical teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas and for subjects like math, science, and special education. The resolution highlights that these high fees pose a substantial financial burden on school districts, potentially forcing them to choose between paying millions for these educators or going without them, which would negatively impact thousands of students. The Alaska State Legislature is sending copies of this resolution to various federal officials, including the President, Vice President, Secretaries of Education and Homeland Security, and Alaska's congressional delegation, to advocate for this fee waiver.