Senator Jesse Kiehl

07/19/2026

It’s hard to overstate this. Hilcorp killed the gas line bill. Stunning. Shocking.

07/09/2026

Senator Kiehl and I had the honor of presenting Kristin Garot with a legislative citation recognizing her 27 years of outstanding service to the students, families, educators, and community of the Juneau School District. Kristin began her JSD career in 1999 as a teacher at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, later joined the inaugural staff of Thunder Mountain High School when it opened in 2008, and went on to lead Yaakoosgé Daakahídi Alternative High School, Montessori Borealis, HomeBRIDGE, Miller House, and Montana Creek.

Her accomplishments are remarkable: she helped develop and implement Artful Teaching across the district, led and trained educators in Restorative Practices, guided a successful high school accreditation review at Yaakoosgé Daakahídi, helped expand Montessori Borealis into a full PreK–8 school with a preschool classroom and state-licensed daycare facility, and led HomeBRIDGE through extraordinary growth from 35 students to more than 400 during the COVID-19 pandemic. As director of teaching and learning support, she strengthened JSD’s work in curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, and federal program requirements. Kristin has touched the lives of thousands of Juneau students while also enriching the broader community through her musicianship with the Juneau Symphony and service to arts organizations, including Theater Alaska and Juneau Jazz & Classics. Congratulations to Kristin on a well-earned retirement, and congratulations to all of the dedicated educators and staff who retired this year.

Thank you, Kristin, for your service, leadership, and lasting contributions to Juneau’s students, schools, and community.

07/03/2026

A ‘problem gambling’ program shows the Tribe knows casino gambling will hurt a lot of Alaskans. Commercial-scale gambling is a problem no matter who runs it.

While Tribes have sovereign authority to make choices - good and bad - this one is a real doozy.

I talked with President Peterson years ago and asked him not to pursue this path. Today’s news saddens me.

While the tribe is opening this casino, President Chalyee Eesh Richard Peterson said Tlingit and Haida is simultaneously working on new programs that could intervene if community members struggle with gambling addiction.

06/06/2026

At Celebration today I presented a citation honoring Marlene Johnson. Her life and work as an Alaska Native leader, businesswoman, advocate, and public servant truly made Alaska a better place.

Representative Rebecca Himschoot, who represents Hoonah, joined me conferring it to Marlene’s family.

06/04/2026

Celebration is here! Grand Entrance Wednesday night featured more than 30 dance troops. I have my 4-day pass! Do you?

06/03/2026

It's more important than ever to give the gift of life this summer. I donated last week. Please join me!!

Blood Bank of Alaska CEO says the state can no longer rely on outside reserves and is urging Alaskans to donate now.

06/03/2026

05/13/2026

On Friday, May 15th, at noon at the Evergreen Cemetery please come and honor our fallen officers from the Juneau Police Department and Southeast Alaska. They have given their lives in the line of duty to serve and protect us. I will be forever grateful for their commitment, courage, and sacrifices.

05/04/2026

The Blessing of the Fleet and reading of names at the Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial was Saturday. Thanks to Pastor Stage-Harvey, and may everyone come home safe!