OMB Director Donna Arduin, right, listens to Gov. Mike Dunleavy announce his state budget during a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

OMB Director Donna Arduin, right, listens to Gov. Mike Dunleavy announce his state budget during a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Dunleavy budget proposal proposes to eliminate hundreds of jobs

Job cuts are not final

“Ain’t no power like the power of the people ‘cuz the power of the people won’t stop,” went the chant of protest outside Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office on Wednesday afternoon. The protesters were members of the AFL-CIO, a labor union that represents many state employees. The AFL-CIO left the capitol singing union songs.

The reason for the protest? Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed budget delivered on his promise to cut $1.6 billion from the operating budget, and that includes a reduction of 625 full-time jobs in the state government. Office of Management and Budget Director Donna Arduin said the number of proposed job cuts totals more than 700 when temporary positions are considered, too.

Chris Dimond, a union affiliate who participated said, “It’s important the governor and administration know that these proposed cuts look to be pretty devastating to the state and we as labor aren’t going to stand by.”

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

It’s unclear whether or not the proposed job cuts include vacant positions, or ones that would be left vacant by way of retirement or other forms of attrition. The Office of Management and Budget did not immediately return a call by the Empire.

Some departments would see heavier cuts than others.

The Department of Health and Social Services, according to the proposed budget, would see 365 permanent jobs and 13 non-permanent jobs cut.

But, not every department would see a cut. For example, the Office of the Governor would see a total increase of 18 full-time jobs.

Although the budget cuts are massive, Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau was not surprised.

“The governor’s doing exactly what he said he would do,” Hannan said. “I think there were many different people who didn’t truly fathom what those cuts mean.”

Hannan noted the legislature will get to work on this budget and amendments will be made.

“I trust the legislature will not let the governor’s proposal be the budget we pass,” Hannan said.

Sen. Mia Costello, R-Anchorage said, “I told one of my constituents today, ‘Don’t go putting the For Sale sign in your yard just yet.’ People are reacting very strongly to the budget.”

“I think we all expected that,” she added.

Rep. Andi Story of Juneau encouraged constituents to make their voices heard.

“I think it’s real important that people weigh in on the budget,” Story, a Democrat, said. “This is their opportunity to weigh in on the budget. I would urge everyone to call in, call the governor’s office. Staff will take messages and make sure legislators and the governor are reading them.”


• Contact reporter Kevin Baird at 523-2588 or kbaird@soundpublishing.com.


More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 15

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Elon Musk on stage with a chainsaw gifted to him by President Javier Milei of Argentina, left, during the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center in National Harbor, Md., on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
Musk to all federal workers: Explain accomplishments during past week by Monday or lose your job

Some agency leaders tell employees to hold off on responding as further guidance is sought.

Jude Humphrey, a Student Conservation Association intern for the U.S. Forest Service, reads a story about snowflakes to kids during a Mendenhall Minis event at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Saturday morning. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Firing on: Remaining Forest Service staff fill in to keep Mendenhall Glacier activities flowing

As visitor center continues lectures and kids’ events, fired employees get a show of community support.

The University of Alaska Southeast class of 2024 receives their degrees during a commencement ceremony Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the UAS Recreation Center. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
University of Alaska removing DEI references from all print and online materials

UAS chancellor says deletions are to comply with Board of Regents’ directive issued Friday afternoon.

A bike is parked outside the main entrance of Bartlett Regional Hospital on Thursday, July 27, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
About 100,000 Alaskans could lose health insurance under GOP plan backed by Trump, hospital officials say

Cut affecting Medicaid could also be costly to state and other policyholders, letter to delegation asserts.

Tetyana Robbins, executive director of Project Alaska, embraces Deepika Ramesh Perumal, executive director of the Alaska Literacy Project, after a House Judiciary Committee meeting at the Alaska State Capitol Building on Feb. 19, 2025. The presentation to the Alaska Legislature was one of many in Juneau this week by immigration leaders in the state. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Immigrants and refugees in Alaska feel uncertainty under Trump administration

Policy changes spur preparation outreach from immigration advocates.

U.S. Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska, address the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce on Thursday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Begich supports Trump’s federal cutbacks, but ‘I recognize the process won’t be perfect’

Congressman says cutting most Mendenhall Glacier staff may have been hasty; also wants faster flood fix.

Police calls for Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Most Read