Governor Dunleavy Delivers 5th State of the State Address

This evening, Governor Mike Dunleavy delivered his fifth annual State of the State Address to a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature, outlining his vision and optimism for Alaska’s future.

“Our history is always being written, including right now,” Dunleavy said. “The question for all of us is what do we want that history to be? Will we still be fighting over the PFD in 50 years? Or, will we have settled this issue long before by respecting the voices of Alaskans? Will history show that we missed opportunities, or that we seized them? Will we put politics and personalities ahead of the needs of the people? Or, will we transcend politics and personalities, will we do what’s right for the people we serve who have become cynical about what goes on in Juneau? I believe we are at just such a time. That time is now.”

Governor Dunleavy’s address focused on his record and vision for growing the economy, capitalizing on new opportunities for investment and economic growth, improving the quality of life for all Alaskans and supporting the next generation of Alaskans.

“Through the actions we’ll take together, when people ask which of the 50 states values children and families the most from the moment of conception on? They’ll say Alaska. When people look for the safest place to raise a family, they’ll say Alaska,” said Governor Dunleavy. “When people look for the best educational system for their family, they’ll say Alaska. When people look for affordable housing, they’ll say Alaska. When people look for economic opportunity, they’ll say Alaska. When people look for the best quality of life, they’ll say Alaska. That’s my goal, and I hope it’s your goal as well. If it isn’t, then what’s the point? Why are we here?”

Emphasizing collaboration and bipartisanship on efforts to improve education, increase public safety, fight the scourge of opioids and domestic violence, and increase Alaska’s social and economic outlook, Dunleavy called on his fellow lawmakers to look towards the future to seize the opportunity to write our history for the benefit of all Alaskans.

“I believe we are at just such a time. That time is now. I believe 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,” said Governor Dunleavy.“Tonight, I’m not asking you to just acknowledge this moment in history. I’m asking you to seize this moment as an opportunity to write our history, starting today. We can seize this moment together, or we can let it pass us by as individuals.”

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