Mike Dunleavy in 2019 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Our government spending far exceeds our revenue
Let's talk about creating a real, honest budget. Alaskans believe our state budget process is a mess. Why is it a mess? Because our government spending far exceeds the revenue we take in. Kicking the can down the road for years, wiping out billions from
savings, and then taxing the PFD, all the while just hoping for another oil boom--it simply doesn't work. We can no longer spend what we don't have. We are now preparing a budget that for the first time all Alaskans will be able to understand & trust.
No more games, no more shuffling numbers. Just an honest, straightforward look at where we are.
My administration will be focused on the basic functions of government, while realigning programs and operations to eliminate duplication and
prioritize each agency's core mission. My first budget is going to be an honest budget. As I promised the people, we must start from the standpoint that expenditures must equal revenue. We can't go on forever using savings to plug the budget gap.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 22, 2019
On Crime:
Declare war on criminals
I'm Governor today because of the campaign promises I made to the people of Alaska. So, here it is:- We're going to declare war on criminals.
- We're going to get our spending in line with our revenue. This has to be done.
- We're going to
protect Alaskans' Permanent Fund dividends.
- We're going to grow our economy and put Alaskans to work.
- And we must restore public trust in government and elected officials.
That's what my plan was last year, and that's my plan now.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 22, 2019
On Drugs:
More enforcement but also more drug treatment
We will provide the focus & the resources necessary to combat the scourge of opiates and other illicit drugs driving up our crime rates and ruining lives: additional State Troopers, and more prosecutors.For those Alaskans who have made a mistake and
have gotten involved with opiates or other drugs and want help, we are a compassionate people. Therefore, as part of our public safety approach we will provide ways for you to break this habit and get back into society and be productive individuals.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 22, 2019
On Families & Children:
Women & children face highest sexual assault rate in nation
The most important thing a government can do is keep its citizens safe. We all know crime is out of control. To put this in perspective, New York City has a sexual assault rate of 28 incidences per 100,000 people. Compare this to Anchorage, which has
132 sexual assaults per 100,000 people. That's almost five times that of New York City.The women and children of Alaska, must be made safe, and we have an obligation, all of us in this room, to do everything we possibly can to stop this scourge in
Alaska.
Today begins a new day in our state. From this day forward, we will not cater to the criminals and ignore the victims. To law-abiding Alaskans, I say this to you: I care if your loved ones are threatened. But to the criminals, and to the
rapists and molesters who see women and children as nothing more than opportunities, I say this to you: We will do everything in our power to stop you, apprehend you, and put you in prison for a very long time.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 22, 2019
On Tax Reform:
No change in taxes without a vote of the People
I will introduce three constitutional amendments, which will be the foundation of a permanent fiscal plan. If we wish to win the People's trust, we must trust the People. This fiscal plan is empowered by the People, for the People:- First, a
spending limit and savings plan that will keep politicians from spending every penny we have, one that allows us to save excess revenue when possible for future Alaskans.
- Second, there should be no change to the PFD without a vote of the people.
-
The third constitutional amendment will call for no change in taxes without a vote of the People.
These three constitutional amendments will require that both the people of Alaska and their elected officials
work closely together to secure our future. The People are the key to a permanent fiscal plan. Without the People's support, any plan put in place by the Legislature will always be in doubt.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 22, 2019
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2019