Representative Genevieve Mina is one of the youngest members of the Alaska House, a lifelong Anchorage resident now representing District 19. Raised by immigrant parents and deeply rooted in community work, she has seen firsthand the value of the work Alaskans do every day. As a representative, one of her top priorities is to make sure that all Alaskans are paid fairly, and that’s not just about wage increases.
For years, wage transparency has been a growing issue across Alaska. When employers can keep salary ranges hidden or discourage open conversations about pay, workers and applicants are put at a real disadvantage. Without a clear salary range for a job, applicants can’t negotiate effectively, and employers can quietly underpay people doing the same work. Lack of discourse keeps workers in the dark—and keeps inequity firmly in place.
Rep. Mina’s HB 156 aims to fix that by requiring salary ranges to be included on all job postings in Alaska. It would also prohibit employers from asking about previous salaries—a practice that often perpetuates pay gaps—and protect employees’ rights to discuss their compensation openly. Employers who violate these rules would be punished with a fine.
HB 156 is still in committee. If it’s passed, it would strengthen Alaska’s workforce, support fair competition, and protect workers across every sector—including union members who rely on transparent standards to bargain effectively. Combined with other pro-worker changes, like the recent minimum wage increases, this legislation would help build a more just and sustainable economy for Alaskans.
