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Senate Leadership Emphasize Priorities After Governor Dunleavy Releases FY25 Budget Proposal
The Proposed Budget is a Starting Point for the Legislature to Address the Needs of Alaskans
Anchorage, AK – Earlier this afternoon, Governor Mike Dunleavy released his proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which must be submitted to the legislature by December 15 each year. The legislature will convene on January 16, 2024, to consider the proposed budget and other legislative priorities. Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, and members of Senate leadership issued the following statements:
“We must continue to emphasize the importance of fiscal stability and a balanced budget that effectively addresses Alaska's most critical needs. This budget is a starting point, and the Senate will work diligently and effectively through our process to achieve the best budget for Alaskans,” said Senate President Gary Stevens. “As stewards of Alaska's financial future, we must engage in bipartisan collaboration to navigate the challenges ahead to protect our financial resources so future generations have opportunities for success.”
"As we start digging into this year's operating budget, our focus will continue to be a balanced budget without having to dip into our significantly low reserves,” said Senator Bert Stedman, R-Sitka. “It's our job to allocate resources wisely while addressing the needs of our communities. As always, this will be a deep and long process to make sound budget decisions that benefit everyone we serve.”
“Through record inflation, the costs of operations continue to grow for our public schools, and many of which are struggling to stay open. Our commitment to securing essential public education resources is still at the forefront of our legislative priorities. Our classrooms must remain open and equipped with the necessary tools for effective learning,” said Senator Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage. “Investing in public education is an investment in our community's future. By ensuring adequate funding, we make the critical investment in our students to provide them with the foundation they need to succeed.”
“Addressing Alaska's energy transmission infrastructure and labor shortages must be prioritized this upcoming legislative session. Investing in robust energy transmission not only bolsters our state's resilience to our current supply challenges but is critical for our families, communities, and businesses. Sustainable economic growth can only occur when we have stable government and predictable policies.” said Senator Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, Senate Majority Leader. “I think every Alaskan is aware that workforce recruitment and retention are critical to overcoming many of our labor shortage issues. By prioritizing these topics, we will be addressing the most important issues for Alaska families, communities, and businesses.”
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