(JUNEAU) - Student loan repayments - signing bonuses - mortgage subsidies - states all over the nation are trying to develop unique ways to attract and retain qualified teachers during a current shortage.

In Alaska, the challenge to attract and retain qualified teachers is even greater. Senate Bill 25 sponsored by Senate Finance co-chair Sen. Gary Wilken (R-Fairbanks) hopes to make Alaska more competitive in attracting teachers from an ever-shrinking pool of applicants by offering teachers, counselors, administrators and others in the education field, that choose to teach in Alaska, an opportunity to purchase a home without needing a down payment.

"I believe a chance at home ownership in Alaska will help bring quality teachers to our State with the intention of establishing roots in the community," said Wilken. "Teachers that own homes in the communities in which they teach give both the educator and the community a sense that a long-term relationship is being formed."

SB 25 allows the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to offer loans on homes for educators with no money down. The teacher housing loan program, in conjunction with other programs geared toward assisting new homeowners such as, "First-Time Home Buyer" programs and other low interest AHFC programs will be offered.

"I really believe this program will help bring more and higher quality educators to Alaska," said Wilken. "And once they have become apart of the community we will find more choosing to spend their career's here."

SB 25 now moves to the House of Representatives.

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04-01-03: Senate Finance Committee Co-Chair, Sen. Gary Wilken explains how SB 25 helps gives the State of Alaska the tools to compete for quality candidates to fill teacher positions throughout the state.

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04-01-03: Senate Finance Committee Co-Chair, Sen. Gary Wilken describes how he is looking forward to working with members in getting his SB 25 passed through the House.

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Gary Wilken 37 K

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