Governor Mike Dunleavy marked the beginning of the regular legislative session by speaking to Alaskans from Juneau. He says that constituents have been watching elected officials talk about their issues, but taking little action to address them, citing last year’s major economic disruptions, closed schools, and pandemic challenges. In holding a press conference Monday, Dunleavy said that Alaskans saw four special sessions held that came no closer to addressing the state’s financial future, saying that this session needs to progress the state further towards those goals.
Dunleavy stated that Alaskans are paying higher prices for groceries, gas, and other essentials with inflation being at a 40-year high. He mentioned that he wants legislators to resolve the permanent fund dividend issue by encouraging his Senate Finance chairs to hold hearings on his administration’s PFD 50/50 plan – offer alternatives, amend it, or follow it.
He says that he wants to lower the cost of energy in Alaska, defend the state from federal overreach, and create more opportunities for Alaskans.