Gov. Mike Dunleavy is pushing back hard against what he calls “baseless and reckless insinuations” from certain lawmakers following his veto of Senate Bill 183, a controversial measure that sought to increase legislative power over executive actions. Those certain lawmakers are Democrat Sen. Bill Wielechowski and Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson, who have made cheap shots at the governor in response to his veto.
Rep. Kevin McCabe wrote about SB 183 and defended the veto of it in a column this week in Must Read Alaska, also raising the concern that it was an affront to the balance of power and was more likely a bill intended to be political targeting of Revenue Commissioner Adam Crum.
In a sharply worded letter sent to members of the Alaska Legislature this week, Dunleavy defended his veto as a necessary stand to preserve the state’s constitutional balance of powers and called out legislators for what he described as an attempt to score political points through unfounded accusations.
“SB 183 presents serious constitutional concerns by overstepping the boundaries that separate the executive and legislative branches,” Dunleavy wrote, adding that Alaska’s founders “were deliberate in establishing a strong executive — one insulated from undue legislative control.”
The bill, which passed with support from lawmakers critical of the administration’s transparency, was framed by its supporters as a move toward better oversight of the Department of Revenue. But Dunleavy rejected that characterization outright, accusing some legislators of pushing “unfounded insinuations and accusations” without evidence.
“Claims or implications that this administration is acting unethically or illegally are unfounded and unsupported by any evidence,” the governor wrote. “Such rhetoric undermines not only the integrity of our institutions, but also the public’s trust in its government.”
Dunleavy said he is open to cooperating with the Legislature and the Legislative Audit Division to improve access to information and data formatting, but warned that he “will not tolerate efforts to politicize the routine functions of government or to weaponize the process for headlines.”
He also challenged lawmakers who believe misconduct has occurred to follow proper legal channels, rather than lobbing accusations in public forums.
“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,” the governor stated.
SB 183 has been the subject of controversy, with Democrats in the Legislature seeking to control the way that audit materials are given to the Legislature. Supporters of the veto argue that the bill would have intruded on executive authority and created opportunities for political micromanagement.
Dunleavy called for a return to “productive governance over political theater” and emphasized his desire to work within constitutional bounds to address Alaska’s real challenges.
“Our time and energy must be devoted to solving real problems, not inventing them for some political gain,” he wrote.
The Alaska legislature knows absolutely nothing about “productive governance” and hasn’t since statehood. With only a very few exceptions, they have been and are a bunch of buffoons out to line their own or their cronies’ pockets.
The legislature has the power to craft new laws, and the governor has the power to veto them. That is the system provided for by the Constitution. It seems to have worked in this case.
Under current law, the legislature (like Congress) also has the power of subpoena, in keeping with its function to be a deliberative lawmaking body.
Alas, the legislature long ago abandoned its duty to serve as that deliberative public body, opting instead to make its most important decisions behind closed doors with exceedingly little deliberation.
It has now become an established tradition for administration officials to present information to the legislature that has little (or no) veracity. Presenting information to the legislature has become a political game where political points are scored and little else.
In my eight years in the legislature, the subpoena power was virtually never exercised. Over those eight years, I may have personally received more subpoenas (and threats of subpoenas) from the legislature than the governor did. Instead of using subpoenas to assist its lawmaking function, the legislature now uses subpoenas to harass conservative legislators.
The main reason the legislature doesn’t use subpoenas more often is because current legislators largely reject the notion that they have a responsibility to get to the truth of a matter before passing new laws. When Sen. Reinbold sought to require information from the administration during COVID, the administration balked, and Sen. Reinbold was instantly removed from her committee.
Instead of passing laws like SB183, perhaps the public would be better served if the legislature resumed its role as a deliberative body with all the accompanying work (including the judicious use of subpoenas) that such a role entails.
The governor can’t veto that. Likewise, the Constitution (Art. III, Sec. 16) prevents the governor from suing the legislature to stop them in the courts. Unfortunately, from where I sit, SB183 appears like just another legislative attempt to appear to do something rather than actually doing it. The governor was always going to veto it.
The Constitution provides an open door for legislators to do their job just as soon as they are willing to. Unfortunately, they have yet to walk through it. Until they do, bills like SB183 will simply be a distraction from the unwillingness of legislators to actually do the job they were elected to do under the Constitution.
Theoretically, you’re right, David.
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Practically however, Alaska doesn’t seem to have a “legislature” in the conventional sense.
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Alaska has instead a lobbyist-legislator team: 60 elected legislators whose team captain’s a sort of a self-appointed co-governor, and 521 registered special interests.
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Not so long ago we bitched because the registered special-interest half outnumbered the elected half of the team by 7 to 1, and neither half represented non-registered special interests like voters who simply want state election and grand-jury systems that are reasonably honest and transparent.
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Now it’s more than 8 to 1, hard to figure out which is the tail, which is the dog, and still, neither half represents voters …you get the rest.
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Two separate organisms in a symbiotic-parasitic relationship, each one depending on the other for survival, so it seems reasonable either or both might be hostile toward anything perceived as a threat to their relationship
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…such as people demanding legislators resume their role as a deliberative body, stop their lies, respect the Constitution and respect separation of powers, no?
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Legislative subpoenas …can we not go there? Only a matter of time until this mob figure out how to rule (with the exception of a few brave souls such as yourself, it never was about “representing”) people through lawfare and legislative subpoenas.
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No? What’s to stop them? Would they do what they’re doing if they weren’t confident in their protection from angry voters and state law enforcement?
Dunleavy is famous for his contrary pouting sessions if things don’t go his way. But, he is by far the one governor that has been in a state of fraud , waste and abuse in his position since day one of his being sworn in. Its going to be good to see him gone from the job he has and hopefully, this state will have someone who knows what they are doing and can demonstrate better purpose than what he has displayed all these years. Let’s vote RCV out so we don’t end up with this kind of an elected person.
Alaska must somehow escape from the influence of outside dark money that has polluted thinking with constant political propaganda to ensure the money stream continues to flow to the puppets. Rank Choice Cheating, mail in voting, automatic voter enrollment, gerrymandering, unions, planted politicians and poisonous influencers all must go. Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks have become a three ring circus. Time to restore common sense and get rid of the robber barons/puppets/deep state/globalists/technocrats, DEI, ESG, etc. etc.
Well said, oh wait a minute. what’s in it for me? That’s the problem these days.
Lies like how you were going to pay Alaskans full pfds, as well as back pay for stolen PFD’s?
Pretty rich from the guy in the governors mansion under false pretenses.
It is no wonder the legislature frequently has to go into overtime and even extended overtime on the public’s dime just to keep the basic structure in order.
Democrats doing what they do best.
Throwing sand in the sandbox when they don’t get their way.
So! The Governor wants to cite the state constitution? And Article 3, Sec. 16? He might be right, but it is mere selective defense of the document.
Where was he when he might have stopped the supreme court, which overthrew the power of the purse when it ruled in their own selfish interests in so many, many cases regarding abortion? Or when he refused to veto the multiple subject bill a year ago? Obey and defend the constitution? What a joke!
The sanctimony of crying “Unconstitutional!” in referring to either the federal or state constitutions rings hollow to anyone who has read — and understood — the documents.
I have long said that Dunleavy is either mad, intimidated in some way, or stupid. I might be wrong, but I go with #2. Those who think #1 or #3 could make their own good case. Along with Trump, true patriots watching both men feel like all those “mixed emotion” jokes as these men act. But then again, the same thing applies to the other branches of government, too.
The cosmic struggle of demonic forces v. Truth are at play in the world, and manifest themselves on the macro and micro levels. Confusion is the norm, and absolutely no institutions are immune.
Alaska can lose the current legislature branch and it would be a huge net benefit for the citizens. They are a huge impediment to the general welfare and are no longer fit for purpose.
I like the reference To go through the Courts and stop making baseless accusations!!
I am disappointed with our Governors lack of accomplishments and not even able to get his 50/50 plan for the PFD over the finish line. I voted for Governor Dunleavy the last two terms but will be looking at other Candidates who will restore the Permanent Fund to the place Governor Hamand ment it to be. Work for the citizens of Alaska and do what’s right!!
Election Integrity – Why did it take years for Governor Dunleavy to release the Commissioner Kelly Tshibaka report about elections? Finally, June 2025 the public document is finally released to the public.
Judicial Reform – Why didn’t Governor Dunleavy introduce a Resolution for an amendment change to Article IV of the Constitution regarding review and selection of judges right after he was re-elected as Governor? SB 14 Review and Selection of Judges died in Finance at the prerogative of the Chair/Co-Chair of Finance. There were several other bills introduced regarding review and selection of judges that have gone no where. SB 14 and other bills were a remedy to problems that many Alaskans have and are facing within our judicial systems. If a bill such as SB 14 dies at the prerogative of the Chair/Co-Chair then what could have and should have happened is Governor Dunleavy introduce a resolution to amend Article IV.
June 27, 2025 at the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct (ACJC) two legal citizens of Alaska spoke during public comments. The meeting was recorded and I would encourage every legal citizen of Alaska to contact the ACJC and ask for an audio copy of the meeting. https://acjc.alaska.gov/meeting.html A conflict can exist between the Executive and Judicial Branches. Appearance of impropriety, impropriety, conflict of interest, etc., when all is said, Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct Canon 2 Commentary page 3 reads, “Actual improprieties under this standard include violations of law, court rules and other specific provisions of this Code…” Canon 3 B (2)(b) “A judge shall be faithful to the law.”* https://courts.alaska.gov/rules/docs/cjc.pdf. Rules such as SCO 1993 should never supersede the laws and/or our constitutional right to go to a grand jury to seek a remedy.
There are so many laws, rules, canons, Alaska Bar Association rules, etc., but what we the people have is our Constitutions. Alaskans need to ELECT an attorney general to protect our constitutions and constitutional rights. The attorney general’s client is the State and his/her first allegiance is to the public interest.
Alaska Constitution Article I Section 1. “…that all persons are equal and entitled to equal rights, opportunities, and protection under the law;…” Article III Sections 1 and 16. 1. “The executive power of the state is vested in the governor.” 16. “The governor shall be responsible for the faithful execution of the laws…”
The Legislative Branch makes and amends laws. The Executive Branch enforces the laws and Article III Sections 1 and 16 give the Governor the authority and power to ensure that every Alaskan is afforded a right to a fair trial based on the faithful execution of the laws, a sworn testimony that cannot be disputed and evidence that is submitted to the court.
How can we help make Alaska great again? ELECT an attorney general for the State of Alaska.
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
Governor, you should definitely hold the line against legislative over reach. The system only works when everybody stays in their lane.
I would really like to see 4 year periods of service, with a maxim of 2 consecutive periods in office. 8 years, then you’re out. Your state service would apply to a std state job retirement and benefits.
I would also like to see the Legislature moved to Anchorage adjacent or to Wasilla area.
I’m guessing that has been voted on, passed, but never funded and never acted upon. That move would save money in the big picture and make the Government/Legislature’s more accessible to constituents. The bulk of the state’s residents are here. Same for your office as well. Would really think that having you here would be way more efficient.
Paying for property in an isolated location, travel cost like, airline tickets and per diem for the bulk of the legislature every year is crazy expensive. As I’m sure you know.
Designing an appropriate government center for the Alaskan Government here makes sense. It’s way more practical. New facilities, would offer better service for everyone. Especially for the bulk of the Alaskans in the state. Being on the road system has some advantages. Paying a few that have a monopoly on space in Juneau isn’t in Alaska’s best interest.
The sooner Alaska Government decouples from there the better. They can make the current legislature building a museum. Waiting only runs the cost of construction up.
The ball was seriously dropped when there could have been a bridge to the Alaska State Government Center, with the bridges mostly paid for with Federal funds. Those who shot down that project did a grave disservice to Alaska.
Kinda went hand in had on how they treated a honorable man like Ted Stevens, who gave so much of his life to serve Alaska. Very sad turn of events.
The Elected Representative and Senators have access to all the information they need to reconcile the Department of Revenue’s taxation on the oil and gas industry of Alaska.
The glaring issue is that Alaska’s elected lawmakers should know where to seek out the tax information, make the calculations, and weigh that against the tax laws they enacted.
Seriously, most, if not all, of the oil and gas industry is publicly traded and adheres to the Securities and Exchange Commission. There is a plethora of financial information published. Maybe the elected legislative body should invest in a qualified forensic accounting analyst instead of a $50K attorney. If you want facts, follow the money. If you want to argue, hire a lawyer.