Governor Mike Dunleavy addressed Alaskans and the Legislature Tuesday night in his fourth State of the State speech. He delivered his speech before members of the House and Senate in the House Chambers, which contrasts to the virtual speech last year due to COVID-19. Dunleavy promoted a positive vision for the state’s future by working together. He touched on several topics, including Alaska’s safety, being open for business, the value of the Permanent Fund, tourism, COVID-19, and promoting Alaskans’ medical freedoms.
With the second half of the 32nd Legislative Session underway, the governor emphasized fiscal restraint alongside a budget surplus. He also spoke of building Alaska’s own supply chain for food security, investing in public safety, gaining energy independence, and high-speed broadband in rural parts of the state. Dunleavy expressed challenging the federal government in their efforts to shut down resource development in Alaska.
Meanwhile, Senate Democratic Leader Tom Begich delivered his response to the State of the State. He applauded Dunleavy’s call to work together but said that the attacks on the Biden Administration is unfair. Begich called on improving the relationship between the Governor and the federal Administration. Begich said that that the election and partisan politics needs to be put aside to be successful.
NOTE: Video and audio courtesy of KTOO 360TV.