Governor Mike Dunleavy’s executive order to establish a cabinet-level agriculture department was narrowly rejected by lawmakers, meaning Alaska would continue to lack one. The plan to create the Alaska Department of Agriculture was blocked by the Alaska Legislature on Wednesday, voting 32-28.
The vote was split along party lines, with the multipartisan majority voting against Dunaleavy’s plan and the Republican minority backing it. According to Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, lawmakers made the proper choice by mandating a legislative process rather than an executive order.
Dunleavy’s administration has promoted local agriculture under the banner of food security since the COVID-19 pandemic threatened supply chains. Alaska imports about 95% of its food, highlighting the state’s reliance on external sources.
Supporters argued that a dedicated department would build infrastructure for future agriculture expansion. Legislators opposing the proposal raised concerns about executive orders bypassing standard legislative procedures.
Senator Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, emphasized the importance of public input and legislative control, which an executive order would restrict. Senator. Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel, argued that food security should consider Alaska’s natural resources.
Cost concerns also played a role in the debate. Initial estimates suggested the department would cost $2.7 million annually, though later projections claimed it could be established without additional expenses.
Proponents contrasted the expense with other state expenditures, including the possible resuscitation of the pension program and the anticipated $272 million increase in school funding. Senate Minority Leader Mike Shower, R-Wasilla, rejected cost arguments as insignificant compared to greater expenses.
One of the initiative’s main supporters, Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, cautioned that the legislative process might cause the proposal to be delayed or derailed. A Senate hearing is set for next week, and bills establishing an agriculture department have already been presented.
This news article was originally published by Alaska´s News Source.
