Speeches & Comment
Governor Parnell Speeches as Prepared
Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Address
Thank you, Bruce Bustamante. Good day! It’s a great day to be back with the chamber. It’s a day when the Administration’s work and the Legislature’s work culminate annually in the release of the budget. I want to recognize Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell; members of my cabinet – Commissioner Susan Bell, Joe Schmidt, and Dan Sullivan. Full Speech »
Speech: Blessing of the Fleet
Alaskans, we are so closely tied to the sea. Among our coastal communities and upon these waters, so much of our life story gets written. Our fishermen and women, deckhands, ferry workers, pilots, sailors, and mariners of all kinds—indeed, all of us who live here, have a shared history and common bond—with the sea. Full Speech »
Tax Policy Influences Business Decisions
Thank you, and good afternoon, Juneau Chamber of Commerce. Thank you, Sheldon Winters for the introduction. It’s great to be back here. Speaking of winter…it is gone! It’s April in the Capital City. And the weather has been so good, this is a time to take a walk on Sandy Beach with your dog, and get your boat in the water. And time to get ready to welcome the many visitors who bring a huge jolt of cash into our local Juneau economy. Full Speech »
Speech: Choose Respect Rally
Winter has been severe. It has been long! I’ve heard you say how tired of winter you are. Tired of the snow. The weight of it. The frustration. The isolation. The damage. We say, “Let’s Spring Come!” Across Alaska You can see the signs. Winter surrenders to spring. The warm glow of the sun over the Chena [River] this morning said spring is on the way. And spring gives birth to new life. Full Speech »
Speech: Make it Meaningful
Thank you, Barbara Huff Tuckness. And, thanks to all the groups that brought us together again. You all are a terrific testament to the spirit of our state, and to the confidence that real Alaskans have in our efforts. As Governor, I promised we would unlock Alaska’s resources for Alaskans’ benefit. I set a vision for Alaska that we would once again produce a million barrels a day. Full Speech »
Alaska Outdoor Council
Thank you, Bill Iverson, Rod Arno. I hope you’ve had a great day! I saw you had a stellar line-up of speakers on a host of hot topics. From access to animals, and from lands to lawsuits. You’ve heard the detail of what’s going on around you. Now I’d like you to hear the policy of our state… Full Speech »
Speech: State of the State Address
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Lieutenant Governor, distinguished guests and fellow Alaskans, this evening we continue a tradition that speaks to the strength of our republic. Alaska’s Constitution calls the governor to deliver a message to the Legislature about the state of the State. As we convene in one chamber tonight, we remember that we have come for one reason – to serve the people of Alaska. Full Speech »
Speech: Alaska Support Industry Alliance
Thank you, Tom Hendricks. Happy New Year! It’s a great day to be an Alaskan, isn’t it? And it’s certainly great to be here – with you – at Alaska Support Industry Alliance. This is the way to start the year! First, in case there’s any doubt, I want to make something very clear: Alaska is open for business. Full Speech »
Speech: 2013 Alaska State Budget Roll-Out
Thank you. Good afternoon. It’s an honor to be back at Chamber. Alaska’s Constitution grants the Alaska Legislature the power of appropriation—the power to spend. And it also provides a strong role for the governor-- authority to propose a budget to the legislature every year by December 15. And line item veto authority at the end of the legislative process. Full Speech »
Speech: Governor Addresses 4/25th Deployment
This is a glorious moment and a solemn time. It’s glorious, for as the general said, when we came in we saw just how sharp you look. How fit you look. And yes, how fierce you all look. Glorious too, because freedom has never been won by spectators, but by men and women -- you, and ones like you, our best soldiers, who live to sacrifice and to honor. For you and your families, we are deeply thankful. Full Speech »
Speech:Resource Development Council of Alaska
Thank you.I’m pleased to be here this afternoon. One of the values in an RDC gathering like this is that highly skilled and qualified people get to meet, talk, and creatively explore solutions to complex challenges facing our state. You are Alaska’s resource leaders. So sharing information here builds the equity of Alaska’s experts. Full Speech »
Speech: Alaska Federation of Natives
Pleased to be joined by my cabinet. Would cabinet members stand so AFN delegates can see you? These are your public servants, our commissioners, here to make Alaska government more accessible. And I thank them. We celebrate the news of Fort Yukon’s Clarence Alexander who received the Presidential Citizens Medal. Clarence is one of just 13 Americans honored with this award. Full Speech »
Speech: Alaska's Rare Opportunity
Good morning! I’m excited to hear that this may be the largest rare earth mineral conference in the nation. First, thanks to DNR Commissioner Dan Sullivan and his staff for organizing this summit. Commissioner Marc Luiken of DOTPF and Commissioner Susan Bell of DCEED. Bob Swenson and Ed Fogels – thank you. Full Speech »
Speech: Secure Our Future: Oil
Good afternoon! Welcome to Alaska! I’m glad the Energy Council selected Alaska for this conference, and it’s great to hear that some members of your executive committee went to the North Slope and other places -- visited a platform here in Cook Inlet, for instance. Full Speech »
Speech: Alaskan Oil Forecast
Thank you, Dave. Thank you, Senator McGuire and tribal leaders. Welcome Coast Guard and FERC representatives. We appreciate the work you are doing. Welcome to our neighbors from Canada. Today is a good day for Alaska. It’s the last day of moose hunting season, and I have the opportunity to announce the PFD later today, because of the foresight of men and women who saw the profits of oil on the Street, and their wisdom to invest that profit for the benefit of the state owners -- Alaskans. Full Speech »
Alaska Fallen Firefighters and 9/11 Memorial
Good Afternoon. Thank you, Chief Goodrich, gathered officers, elected officials. Firefighters, family, friends: It is good to stand together again, to remember, to honor, and to heal. We remember that day like yesterday. And yet, we wish we didn’t have to. For on 911, we saw the face of evil and the worst of man. Full Speech »
N'tnl Hydropower Association Regional Meeting
How many of you are from outside the state of Alaska? Can you raise your hand for me? Welcome, we are glad to have you here. Thank you for journeying to our great state to participate in this meeting. Thank you to the NHA for being here, and APA for hosting it. Full Speech »
Governor's Remarks on In-State Gasline Report
Whether you’re trying to heat your home in the Interior or fill up your tank in the Bush, Alaskans suffer under some of the highest energy costs in the nation. Turning to Alaska’s natural resources to solve Alaskans’ high cost energy challenges makes sense. That’s why we’ve pursued a comprehensive approach to meet this challenge – from traditional fuels to renewables, to weatherization, and conservation. Full Speech »
Remarks: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Thank you and good afternoon. Greetings from Alaska to our DC friends. I appreciate the invitation to speak about the need for a robust domestic energy policy, one that focuses on developing energy resources available in our own states. We must reduce our dependence on foreign oil, keep prices low at the pump, and create jobs at home. Full Speech »
Governor Parnell's FY 12 Budget Message
Alaskans are well aware of our federal government’s poor financial condition, Alaska’s declining oil production and revenues, as well as our state’s unfunded pension liability of $11 billion and escalating Medicaid costs. In light of these factors, I set a spending limit on state government in March 2011. This morning I signed budgets meeting the spending limit. Doing so required vetoes of $412 million. Full Speech »