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Senate Republican minority caucus unveils priorities: energy, education, economy
Summary
At a press conference, Senate Minority Leader Mike Shower introduced a six-member Republican minority caucus and outlined top priorities including energy development, education reform and fiscal management.
Senate Minority Leader Mike Shower introduced a six-member Republican minority caucus at a press conference and said the group will focus on energy, education and the economy.
Shower told reporters the caucus aims to “find common ground” with the Senate majority, the House and the governor so the Legislature can pass bills that “move Alaska forward.” He described the group as “a very united team” and said members will hold regular press conferences.
The caucus members who spoke identified a range of backgrounds they said would inform the group’s work: Robert Myers (minority whip), Mike Crock, Rob Yount, Senator Kaufman, Shelley Hughes and Senator Schauer. Shower said the group includes a home builder, a retired teacher, a truck driver, a military veteran/airline pilot, an engineer and a health‑services professional.
“We want to find things that we can work together with on the house majority and minority and the governor,” Shower said. He added the caucus would not start by focusing on blocking actions but rather on collaborative proposals.
Members gave short summaries of matters they plan to pursue. Senator Kaufman said he will again sponsor an executive budget act reform to require four‑year strategic operating plans updated every two years and to improve performance management. Robert Myers listed occupational licensing reform and attention to resources and judiciary committee subjects, including trial delays. Several members said they would pursue education policy changes and fiscal restraint.
The group fielded questions from reporters about federal permitting changes, the incoming administration, and how the caucus intends to work with other lawmakers. Shower and other members emphasized a willingness to work with Democrats, the coalition that controls the chamber and the governor when there is agreement.
The caucus said it will hold future press conferences and make more detailed proposals as bills are filed and committee work begins.
