Governor Walker angry with people of Alaska

June 20, 2016

GIVES MANDATE TO LAWMAKERS: STOP USING MY PIC

Governor Bill Walker, in a press conference today, flashed anger at Alaskans for not giving up to $1,200 of their Permanent Fund dividends to support state services. He appeared miffed that citizens, as represented by their elected lawmakers, didn’t understand the seriousness of the fiscal problem the state faces.

He also issued a proclamation for a special session to be held in Juneau on July 11 to take up three major revenue items that were not settled in the special session that ended today.

In his press availability that lasted just 11 minutes, the governor was asked by Juneau Empire reporter James Brooks why he thinks another special session will be productive.

*Governor Bill Walker has told lawmakers they may not use his image without his permission.*

Walker’s answer was: “I think it will be because I’ll address some of those issues in the budget. When the budget comes to me and I address the financial situation, it will get the attention of Alaskans. I have the obligation to do some things as governor with the budget.”

The reporter went on to ask the governor if he intends to veto a portion of the Permanent Fund dividend.

Walker responded: “We’ll look at every item individually and decide between now and July 1st what gets vetoed and what does not…I will veto where I think it’s appropriate.”

The governor was piqued that the House Finance Committee refused to send his SB 128 to the floor for a vote. The legislation that would restructure the Alaska Permanent Fund passed the Senate, but was panned by many members of the House. Both Democrats and Republicans received pushback from constituents about taking Permanent Fund dividends, while not cutting government spending enough.

Walker said he his administration has had more than 400 meetings with Alaskans to explain his restructuring of Alaska’s finances.

“The governor’s idea of helping is to keep count of meetings,” said one legislative insider.

GOVERNOR DENIES USE OF HIS IMAGE WITHOUT PERMISSION

Showing his sensitivities to his image, the governor told members of the Legislature that they may not use his image without his permission. A screen shot outlines the terms: