As Alaska prepares for its upcoming legislative session, lawmakers are grappling with significant challenges stemming from limited revenue projections and a strained relationship with outgoing Governor Mike Dunleavy. With the session set to commence, many legislators express skepticism about the likelihood of enacting substantial reforms during the governor’s final year in office.
Senator Forrest Dunbar, a Democrat from Anchorage, reflects the sentiment among his peers, noting that the political environment in Juneau has not fostered the goodwill necessary for effective collaboration. Lawmakers are particularly critical of Dunleavy’s limited engagement, which they believe hinders progress on critical issues. “I think we’re just doing the best we can to stop bad things from happening,” said Representative Andrew Gray, also an Anchorage Democrat. He emphasized the need to lower expectations for meaningful policy changes, given the current fiscal climate, particularly with low oil prices affecting state revenue.
Historically, Dunleavy’s administration has faced criticism for its vetoes and lack of cooperation with the Legislature. In a recent podcast, Gray summarized the prevailing outlook, stating, “The idea that we’re going to make big important changes this year, I just think I gotta lower that bar.” This frustration is echoed by Senate Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, who argues that the real gridlock lies in the governor’s office, rather than between the legislative bodies themselves.
Legislative Goals Amid Fiscal Constraints
As the session looms, Alaska’s legislators are acutely aware of the pressing need to address the state’s fiscal challenges. Last year, the Legislature made significant strides in increasing the education budget, overcoming Dunleavy’s vetoes to secure funding. Yet, as they prepare for this year’s session, the focus on education investments is complicated by the state’s revenue constraints. Both the governor and lawmakers acknowledge a shared need for increased revenue to meet state obligations, but disagreements over potential sources of that revenue remain unresolved.
Dunleavy has yet to outline a comprehensive fiscal plan, though he has hinted at new revenue measures and the need to diversify Alaska’s economic base. In prior discussions, he acknowledged the difficulty of some proposals but stressed the necessity of addressing the state’s financial imbalance. “There’s going to be things in there that I have a hard time swallowing, but I know it’s needed for the state of Alaska,” he stated.
Yet, Giessel has criticized Dunleavy for failing to deliver on past promises to introduce fiscal measures. She described his proposed plans as “about seven years too late,” expressing skepticism about whether they will adequately address the pressing needs of the state. “He never had the courage to put it on the table and actually talk to Alaskans about it,” Giessel remarked.
Prospects for Legislative Collaboration
Despite the challenges, some legislators remain hopeful that the final year of Dunleavy’s administration could yield legislative accomplishments. Representative Justin Ruffridge, a Republican from Soldotna, emphasized the importance of pursuing legislative policies, even in the face of dwindling revenues. He urged his colleagues to engage in discussions about the governor’s fiscal plan, which remains unspecified.
As lawmakers prepare for the session, the initial order of business may involve addressing Dunleavy’s veto of a bill aimed at imposing the state’s corporate income tax on certain companies. Giessel characterized this potential move as “a no-brainer,” given its capacity to generate substantial revenue for the state. However, she acknowledged the difficulty of mustering the necessary legislative support to override the governor’s vetoes.
The upcoming session will test the Legislature’s ability to navigate the complex dynamics with the governor while striving to address the state’s fiscal situation. “We don’t have the room anymore to say, ‘Well, we can limp through another year,’” Giessel stated, highlighting the urgency of the moment.
As Alaska’s lawmakers convene at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau, the path forward remains uncertain. The interplay between legislative priorities and the governor’s actions will shape the state’s direction in the coming year, as the need for effective governance has never been more critical.
