FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sarra Khlifi, 907-290-1669
GOVERNOR DUNLEAVY VETOES REPEAT CHAOS, PAIN OF LAST YEAR
Dunleavy Administration attacks essential services when Alaskans need them most
APRIL 8, 2020 - Yesterday, Governor Dunleavy announced $261 million in cuts to the state budget, vetoing COVID-19 response, transportation, community assistance, and education services approved by the Legislature. These vetoes are familiar to Alaskans, since the Alaska Marine Highway System, Public Broadcasting, Medicaid, and public education funding were on the Governor’s list of targeted cuts and vetoes last year. Budgets are a moral document, and the FY2021 budget enacted by the Governor shows he is still not listening to Alaskans at this uniquely vulnerable and scary time in our state’s history.
“At a time when our public institutions and services need every tool in their toolbox to combat the financial and health crises we have on our hands, the Governor has chosen to burden Alaskans with more stress and instability,” said Sarra Khlifi, Coalition Director for Save Our State. “It’s especially disappointing since the Legislature presented him with a reasonable budget that protected core services.”
In response to last year’s vetoes, thousands of Alaskans made it very clear - they want access to affordable health care, a functioning Marine Highway System, quality K-12 education for our kids, a robust university system. They want to see a future in this state for their children and grandchildren. They want safe, functional roads. They want social services for Alaskans in need, regardless of where they live. Governor Dunleavy’s choices show he is still not listening to what Alaskan priorities are.
The Governor claims “a majority” of his vetoes will be replaced by federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, meant to cover costs incurred to states as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis. However, there is a lack of clarity in interpretation of the CARES Act and what funds can be used for. It is unlikely that all of the 100+ items the Governor vetoed would qualify, and betting that CARES Act funds can be used to continue state essential services is risking the health, commerce, and safety of all Alaskans.
Three-quarters of the Legislature came together - across the political spectrum and from different caucuses - in record time to agree to fund HB 205 and HB 234, the Operating and Supplemental Budgets respectively. Save Our State was hopeful the Governor would follow their lead, and put aside political games to do what is best for Alaska. In the week leading up to this announcement, roughly 150 Alaskans sent the Governor emails telling him to sign the budget as is with no vetoes.
“It is unconscionable that in this time of extreme fiscal uncertainty amidst a global pandemic, Governor Dunleavy decided to cause more strife for Alaskans,” said Joelle Hall, AFL-CIO Director of Operations. “These vetoes shift the cost burden to property tax payers, leave rural communities to fend for themselves, and threaten the jobs of Alaska’s educators and support staff.”
Due to the current public health crisis, we cannot gather to rally against these vetoes. But we can all take individual action and let the Governor know that this is not how Alaskans take care of each other. These vetoes reflect a lack of compassionate leadership during a time when Alaska needs it most.
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Save Our State is a coalition standing together to protect essential services, education, public health and safety, and the ferry system.