When Gov. Mike Dunleavy moved to Alaska, he was struck by
the work ethic he saw in nearly every Alaskan. Everyone wanted to work, and
everyone was working. Now, as Governor of Alaska, he is working hard to ensure
there are enough good jobs to go around.
In a new video released by the Foundation for Government
Accountability (FGA), Gov. Dunleavy shares how losses in the oil industry were
pushing Alaskans out of the state to find work. To keep more Alaskans from
leaving or becoming dependent on government welfare, Gov. Dunleavy directed his
administration to identify and break down barriers to work.
“We’re looking at all kinds of regulations,” Gov. Dunleavy
says. “We have about 115 regulations that we are looking at now to remove—so
remove those barriers so it’s easier for folks to do business in Alaska as well
as professionals.”
One area Gov. Dunleavy is focusing on is occupational
licensing reform to make it easier for health care professionals and others
to find work in Alaska. Additionally, in 2019, Alaska took steps to reinstate proven
work requirements for able-bodied adults on food stamps. This commonsense
reform will help more able-bodied Alaskans move from welfare back to work.
“More and more Alaskans are going back to work, Gov.
Dunleavy says. “We now have the lowest unemployment rates in history.”
Work provides families with the opportunity to flourish. And
Gov. Dunleavy is committed to giving all Alaskan families the chance to build
an independent life in the beautiful state of Alaska.