Governor Mike Dunleavy has vetoed the Alaska commercial fishing loan bill, a widely supported measure to assist struggling commercial fishers. Senate Bill 156 proposed transferring $3.69 million from an inactive state loan fund to the Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank.
The state-owned bank provides loans to commercial fishers who often lack access to traditional financing due to seasonal income and risk factors. The bill passed the Legislature by a 59-1 margin reflecting strong bipartisan support after recommendations from a joint legislative task force.
Dunleavy said funding a private lender during a tight budget year is unwise and emphasized the need to preserve limited resources. Senator Jesse Kiehl of Juneau, the bill’s sponsor, expressed frustration, saying the governor’s office refused post-session discussion about the proposal.
Lawmakers will consider an override vote during the upcoming special session on August 2, potentially reviving the bill if support holds. The fishing loan remains blocked for now, leaving questions about support for one of the state’s core industries.
