Legislature(2025 - 2026)
2025-07-30 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2025-07-30 Senate Journal Page 1416 SB 183 The following letter dated June 27 was received from the Office of the Governor: Dear Honorable Members of the Alaska State Legislature, 2025-07-30 Senate Journal Page 1417 I write to provide additional explanation of my decision to veto Senate Bill 183 (SB 183) that is well grounded in our Constitution, the principle of separation of powers, and the need for productive governance over political theater. At its core, SB 183 presents serious constitutional concerns by overstepping the boundaries that separate the executive and legislative branches. Alaska’s framers were deliberate in establishing a strong executive - one insulated from undue legislative control and designed to act independently in carrying out the laws and administration of our state. SB 183 erodes this structure by granting legislative entities authority over executive actions in ways that conflict with the constitutional design of our government. More troubling, however, are the baseless and reckless insinuations made by some legislators during the consideration and passage of this bill. Claims or implications that this administration is acting unethically or illegally are unfounded and unsupported by any evidence. Such rhetoric undermines not only the integrity of our institutions, but also the public’s trust in its government, including the very legislators pushing such baseless claims. It must stop. If the concern behind the introduction of SB 183 is truly one of access to, or formatting of information for legislative review, such matters can be resolved constructively. My administration is open to working with the Legislature and the Legislative Audit Division to ensure the necessary resources and information and data management systems are in place. But if the unfounded insinuations and accusations continue, I must make it clear: I will not tolerate efforts to politicize the routine functions of government or to weaponize the process for headlines. If any member of this body sincerely believes that illegal or unethical actions have occurred, I encourage you to put those allegations in writing and follow proper legal or procedural channels. If not, then I urge you - out of respect for the Constitution, the offices we hold, and the people we serve - to bring this damaging and irresponsible rhetoric to an end. 2025-07-30 Senate Journal Page 1418 We face many challenges in Alaska. Our time and energy must be devoted to solving real problems, not inventing them for some political gain. I remain committed to working with the Legislature in good faith and within the bounds of our Constitution to serve the best interests of Alaskans. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated June 17, 2025 authorizing a request for regulatory relief to support emergency response due to extensive flood-related damage caused by breakup flooding and ice jams along the Dalton Highway corridor, with an accompanying letter, was received pursuant to AS 26.23.020. The declaration and letter had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. A letter dated July 1, 2025 and revised finance plans for three federally declared disasters (2022 Mat-Su Winter Storm, 2022 West Coast Storm and 2023 Spring Flood) was received. The letter and finance plans had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated June 25, 2025 requesting state disaster assistance to support emergency response due to widespread damage caused by uncontained wildland fires in the Denali Borough, with an accompanying letter, was received pursuant to AS 26.23.020. The declaration, letter, and finance plan had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. A Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated June 27, 2025 authorizing public assistance due to snowmelt flooding along the Old Glenn Highway corridor, with an accompanying letter, was received pursuant to AS 26.23.020. The declaration, letter and finance plan had been copied to the Finance Committee Cochairs. Communications A message dated July 18 was received from the office of the secretary of state of the State of Montana forwarding a resolution urging the United States Congress to revise commercial driver's license laws. 2025-07-30 Senate Journal Page 1419 A message dated July 18 was received from the office of the secretary of state of the State of Montana forwarding a resolution urging the United States Congress to discipline itself and address the ongoing deficits and debt of the United States before there is no longer any remedy to avoid hyperinflation or a default on the debt of this country. The following Budget and Audit Report was received from Kris Curtis, Legislative Auditor, in accordance with AS 24.20.311 and is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate: State of Alaska Single Audit Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2024 Unfinished Business