Governor Mike Dunleavy gave his fifth annual State of the State address on January 23rd to a joint session of the 33rd Legislature. His remarks instilled hope and vision for tangible and achievable opportunities that we can realize if the legislature is willing to partner together with his administration.
I believe many of the “destinations” he mapped out in the course he charted are not only viable ones, but are the right ones to ensure a good future for our children and the generations to follow. I look forward to working with him and with the legislature to advance much of his vision into reality.
Governor Dunleavy, prior to summarizing his prior work with the legislature to achieve specific goals and casting his vision for his term and years ahead, he first took time to commend several individuals who had gone above and beyond during the last year in their work for their local communities and the state of Alaska. He also expressed the desire to see Alaska protect and expand resource development and economic stability, as well as to improve the overall mental and physical health of our state’s residents.
He thanked the legislators (including – to my surprise – a mention of my name and only one other sitting legislator, Sen. Kiehl during his speech) who began the work to tackle the egregious sexual assault problem last session. He encouraged all legislators this year to continue the work.
The Governor called for bipartisan cooperation as we pursue legislation to reverse pervasive drug issues, sex trafficking, domestic violence, and federal overreach. He called on the legislature to work together to improve education and ensure opportunities for our youth; he challenged the legislature to resolve the PFD issue once and for all; he urged the legislature to consider opening doors to new economic pursuits in addition to oil and gas production, including in agriculture, timber harvest, kelp, and carbon markets (note: I have numerous cautionary questions about this last proposal). He said, “I believe that what we do now, in the next four months, will set Alaska’s course not just for the next four years, but for the next Generation. …We can either seize this moment together, or we can let it pass us by as individuals.”
As he expressed the positive momentum of the previous year, there was anticipation in furthering of legislation to bring about a healthier and safer state where we can live and grow and prosper. He also stated, “We have a right to exist on equal footing with the rest of the 49 states.” He later went on to say, “For too long, we’ve allowed others to tell our story. …Now is the time to share our story – not [extremists’] fairy tales – with the rest of the world…”
Near the end of his address, the Governor summarized his goals when he said he was “a pro-life Governor” wishing to “make Alaska the most pro-life state in the entire country.” He expanded on this, stating that he would advocate for and enact policies and initiatives that are pro-children, pro-mothers, pro-fathers, and pro-families. He stated that, “…there is no tomorrow [for Alaska] without more people.” To secure Alaska’s future, he asserted that Alaska needs more people in jobs, in schools, creating wealth, and solving problems facing Alaska and the world.
You can read the entire State of the State speech here or view the broadcast below.
