Governor Dunleavy’s Optimistic Legislative Speech: What It Means for Alaska’s Education Future

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy recently addressed the state legislature, sharing a hopeful vision for Alaska’s future. However, his speech hinted at some potential disagreements with lawmakers, particularly regarding public education.

This was the governor’s seventh annual State of the State address. While some legislators praised his optimistic tone, others felt he overlooked significant issues, like the upcoming fisheries crisis affecting the economy.

During his address, Governor Dunleavy announced plans to introduce a comprehensive education bill. He expressed his support for expanding access to charter schools, hoping to improve education options for students.

However, the majority of lawmakers seem to have a different approach. They plan to separate education policy discussions from a new funding proposal that aims to change the state’s per-student funding formula.

“We might have differences in the months ahead, but I believe we will also find common ground,” Dunleavy said. Just before his speech, his office encouraged Alaskans to oppose the House majority’s proposed education funding bill during a hearing the next day.

Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon highlighted this contradiction. He expressed hope for collaboration with Governor Dunleavy and Education Commissioner Deena Bishop to find a middle ground or risk a long legislative session.

Both Edgmon and Senate President Gary Stevens, who represent coastal areas, were disappointed that the governor did not address the fisheries crisis, which is crucial for Alaska’s economy. The governor’s task force on this issue is expected to present its findings soon.

Stevens noted, “He did mention agriculture, which is important, but it pales in comparison to the fishing industry.” Despite some concerns, he considered the governor’s speech to be effective.

In his speech, Dunleavy highlighted a drop in crime rates and pledged to step up efforts against drug-related issues. He also shared positive economic news, stating that Alaska added over 6,000 new jobs last year, finally recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Decline is a choice, and I choose to reject that,” he said, referring to investments in oil on the North Slope, which he believes will boost economic growth.

The governor praised new developments in oil and gas but acknowledged that it might take time for these efforts to benefit the state financially. He mentioned the need for a long-planned natural gas pipeline and recognized that Southcentral Alaska may need to import gas due to a shortage.

“Some of the solutions might be painful but necessary, and they will only be temporary,” he assured the audience.

Senate Minority Leader Mike Shower agreed, interpreting the governor’s remarks as a recognition that importing gas might be unavoidable for now. “While nobody wants to import gas, we lack the infrastructure to transport our own natural gas,” he said.

Overall, Shower viewed the governor’s address as hopeful, anticipating that increased resource development would improve the state’s conditions. House Minority Leader Mia Costello also found the speech optimistic, noting that Dunleavy’s positive outlook might explain his lack of focus on the challenges facing the fishing industry.