(The Center Square) – Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy reiterated his push for teacher incentives in his State of the State address last night but again did not mention proposals by the Legislature to increase the base student allocation.
The governor’s plan, first introduced last year, would create a tiered bonus plan between $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the district and years of service.
“This legislation will not only put money where it belongs: in the pockets of our classroom teachers,” Dunleavy said. “It’ll also be accompanied by valuable research to demonstrate the benefits of improved recruitment and retention. It’s imperative that this legislation passes this year.”
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would increase the base student allocation by $300.
Dunleavy said public safety should be the number one responsibility of state government.
The governor is asking for 10 new village public safety officers and three investigators assigned to crimes against children.
The state reversed law enforcement cuts, and crime is down, Dunleavy said.
“We’ve cleared the unacceptable sexual assault kit backlog,” he said. “We’ve been collecting DNA that’s been owed in some cases since the 1990s. These efforts are helping us crack cold cases and bring long overdue justice for victims.”
The governor also proposes eliminating tariffs on the Railbelt system so that low-cost power can be transported to Alaskans.
“By eliminating these tariffs, we’ll transform the system into a public highway rather than a series of toll roads,” Dunleavy said. “By doing so, we’ll lower costs for ratepayers and create new opportunities for independent power producers.”
Alaska is competing with other states for people. Alaska lost 3,200 people to migration, according to a report by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Keeping the workforce in Alaska requires affordable housing, Dunleavy said.
Part of the solution comes from the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s mortgage down assistance program, which could help up to 1,300.
Lowering the cost of building supplies will also help, according to the governor.
“We’re addressing this in part through the state lumber grading bill that I was able to sign last year with your support,” Dunleavy said to legislators. “We have abundant timber resources, and creating an in-state supply chain for critical building materials will lead to more — and more affordable — housing for all Alaskans.”
Senate President Gary Stevens said lawmakers will continue working with Dunleavy to address the state’s issues.
“In the Senate, our objective remains steadfast in seeking solutions to provide essential resources for public schools, ensuring the best possible education for our youngest Alaskans,'” Stevens said in a statement. “Additionally, we aim to attract individuals back to the state to bolster our economy through a livable and reasonable retirement once Alaskans have completed their service to their communities. Lastly, finding long-term solutions to address Alaska’s railbelt energy needs is paramount to ensuring residents have the energy to heat their homes.”
