Representative Andi Story
Alaska State Legislature
House District 34
Mendenhall Valley
Auke Bay
Out the Road
Sunny Point
Juneau Airport

Sponsor Statement
House Bill 71 – Military Work Experience
Members of the military bravely serve our nation and protect our nation’s values
around the world. The rigors of the battlefield can be immense, yet the transition
back to civilian life often proves to be another battle. In a 2012 survey, two-thirds
of veterans named finding a job as the greatest challenge in transition from military
to civilian life.
House Bill 71 attempts to ease this transition by allowing veterans, former
prisoners of war or members of the national guard to substitute documented
military experience for published minimum qualifications for state classified
positions. Numerous states, including Alaska, provide veterans hiring benefits and
employment preferences; House Bill 71 would provide additional support to our
veterans by allowing their previous military work experience to carry over into the
civilian world.
Allowing the use of military experience for state job qualifications is currently
allowed in Alaska’s personnel policy. House Bill 71 would enshrine this current
practice into law, ensuring those who have sacrificed for our nation will have better
access to employment irrespective of changes in administrations.
I appreciate your consideration of this legislation and ask for your support in its
passage.

Contact
Rep. Andi Story
Alaska State Capitol
120 4th St
Juneau, AK 99801
907-465-3744
rep.andi.story@akleg.gov