‘I’m grateful to the governor and his administration for listening to the concerns raised during the committee process’
JUNEAU – Gov. Mike Dunleavy today withdrew Executive Order 119 from consideration, formally setting aside his proposal to reorganize the Department of Health and Social Services.
The decision followed a series of hearings in the House Health and Social Services Committee, which earlier this week voted 6-1 to advance a resolution that would have let lawmakers vote to approve
or reject the restructuring during a joint floor session.
“We’ve said from the beginning of this process that we’re open to working with the administration to address the challenges within the Department of Health and Social Services. With a restructuring
of this magnitude, it is important to ensure a collaborative process that includes the diverse perspectives of health stakeholders, Tribal partners, the Legislature, and the public at large,” said
Co-Chair Tiffany Zulkosky (D-Bethel). “I’m grateful to the governor and his administration for listening to the concerns raised during the committee process and for the willingness to hit the reset button.”
Co-Chair Liz Snyder
(D-Anchorage) added, “Good things happen when everyone at the table listens to one another. Lawmakers, the administration, and everyone who engaged throughout this process expressed a
commitment to working together to make sure the Department of Health and Social Services serves Alaskans as effectively as possible. I am grateful for all of the Department’s work and successes, but it is clear that improvements need to be made. The executive
order started a much-needed conversation, and I look forward to its continuation.”
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CONTACT
Joe Plesha
Press Secretary
Alaska House Coalition
(907) 465-6791
Joe.Plesha@akleg.gov
