Brett Huber: A new year, a new opportunity to get it right in Alaska

By BRETT HUBER | AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY-ALASKA

As we turn the calendar to a new year, there’s a renewed sense of optimism across Alaska, and for good reason. We have a rare alignment of leadership and opportunity that gives our state a real chance to chart a stronger, more sustainable future.

In Washington, D.C., Alaska is represented by a solid team of elected officials who understand our state’s unique challenges and extraordinary potential. They get that increased energy and mineral production as well as all meaningful, transparent permit reform are essential to Alaska’s future success as a state.

In Juneau, we have a Republican governor committed to resource development, fiscal responsibility, and protecting the freedoms that make Alaska, Alaska. That combination matters, especially in an election year, when the stakes for our state could not be higher.

Americans for Prosperity–Alaska intends to be a major voice in this conversation. This legislative session, and throughout the year ahead, our mission is simple: to make sure Alaskans have a seat at the table and a strong voice in the decisions that shape our future.

There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Alaska’s oil and gas sector is seeing renewed momentum, with Alaska LNG advancing and new North Slope projects approved under the Trump Administration. 

Energy abundance matters. Affordable, reliable energy is a cornerstone of economic opportunity, lower costs of living, and long-term prosperity. All sources of energy should be on the table, with innovation driven by the free market, not taxpayer subsidies or corporate welfare, and with a clear focus on reducing energy poverty for Alaskans.

But energy alone won’t solve every challenge. Alaska still faces a structural budget imbalance, and addressing it will require honesty, discipline, and, most importantly, public engagement. Alaskans deserve a clear understanding of how state government works, where dollars are going, and what outcomes we are actually getting for our money.

AFP-Alaska believes Alaska must reject policies that burden families, distort markets, or grow government beyond what taxpayers can sustain. We oppose efforts to create unsustainable defined-benefit pension plans for public employees while also insisting that promises already made to current retirees are kept. Responsible budgeting means fairness, transparency, and long-term thinking.

Economic opportunity is another cornerstone of our legislative priorities. Alaskans should be free to earn success, contribute to their communities, and build meaningful lives without unnecessary government barriers. That means eliminating burdensome regulations that stifle growth, raise costs, and block job creation. It also means passing meaningful occupational licensing reform, including accepting out-of-state certifications so skilled professionals can get to work faster in Alaska.

Education must also be part of the conversation. Every child deserves an education that fits their individual needs. Alaska should move away from a one-size-fits-all model and toward personalized learning and expanded educational choice. Funding should follow students, not systems, and support results, rather than bureaucracy. Expanding correspondence programs and empowering families will strengthen outcomes across the state.

Health care reform is equally critical. Innovative, affordable care is created when harmful regulations and poorly designed subsidies that favor special interests over patients are removed. We support policies that reduce barriers between providers and patients, increase competition, and lower costs for families, especially in rural Alaska.

That’s where AFP comes in. Across the country last year, Americans for Prosperity was involved in 680 political races and helped win 80% of them. We were deeply engaged in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which has already delivered enormous progress for Alaska. And this year, we will be just as active here at home as we focus on hearing from, educating, organizing, and empowering Alaskans to speak up about the policies that affect their lives.

The Alaska Legislature gavels in on Jan. 20 for a 120-day session. From day one, AFP–Alaska will be involved, tracking legislation, sharing information, and giving Alaskans the tools they need to influence policy in Juneau. We’ll be hosting events across the state to listen, to teach, and to build a strong network of volunteers and citizen advocates who care deeply about Alaska’s future.

Our first event of the year is right around the corner: a sales tax town hall on Monday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. at King Street Brewery in Anchorage. We’ll be discussing the proposed Anchorage sales tax and what it could mean for families, businesses, and the local economy. If you care about how government raises and spends your money, this conversation is for you. (Link to event)

The outlook for Alaska is strong, but only if we engage, stay informed, and hold government accountable. Americans for Prosperity–Alaska is ready to do that work, and we invite you to join us. Together, we can ensure Alaska uses its resources wisely and builds a future that works for all Alaskans.

Brett Huber is state director for Americans for Prosperity–Alaska.