Rep. Chris Tuck

On Wednesday, I proudly cast a vote to override the dangerous budget vetoes from Governor Dunleavy that threaten thousands of jobs and Alaska’s hard-fought economic recovery. Due to the intentional absence of many lawmakers, the vote to override the vetoes failed. While I am disappointed the Governor’s vetoes will stand, I am not giving up hope that through good-faith negotiations a deal can be reached to reverse many of the most dangerous cuts.

Governor Dunleavy is getting good at dropping bombs into Alaska’s politics. His proposed budget cutting $1.6 billion in essential state services was certainly a political bomb. The latest bomb got dropped on Friday when the Governor slashed up the hard-fought budget compromise with his red veto pen. The damage from this political bomb will be felt in every city and village in Alaska. Instead of working with the Alaska Legislature on a responsible budget that helps build a better Alaska, the Governor decided instead to embrace the political discord of the day and lay waste to institutions like the University of Alaska and the Senior Benefits Program through his veto power.

Last week, the first special legislative session called by Governor Dunleavy ended without a decision on the size of this year’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). The governor called a second special session with the PFD as the only agenda item.

It’s an honor to continue serving you as your Representative in the Alaska Legislature.
My priorities are your priorities. That’s why I have been in Juneau since January working to improve public safety, protect the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), and pass a prudent and sustainable budget.

On Monday, the Alaska House of Representatives formally approved a negotiated deal between Governor Dunleavy and the Alaska Legislature that will free the hands of law enforcement to make Alaska a safer place to live and do business. This is an important step in our ongoing criminal justice reform efforts.

The Alaska Constitution limits legislative sessions to 121 days and today is day 119. There are numerous big issues still to be resolved including the size of this year’s PFD, how much to cut from the budget, and additional criminal justice reforms.

Alaska witnessed something amazing in the State Senate last Wednesday. Before the session started, I never imagined a scenario that would result in a 19-1 vote on the operating budget in the Senate, but that’s exactly what happened.

As we stare down some huge budget decisions, it’s important that we know and understand what the people of Alaska want. The House Finance Committee is holding a series of public meetings this weekend across Alaska to get input about the state budget. It’s important to take the time to speak up for a responsible state budget that funds the education of our children, protects the jobs of our fellow Alaskans, and ends the recession that has been dragging down our economy.