Dunleavy closes executive branch offices July 6 for Semiquincentennial

Governor Mike Dunleavy signed a proclamation June 30 designating Monday, July 6 as a temporary paid legal holiday for Alaska executive branch employees, extending the July 4 Semiquincentennial celebration into a long weekend.

The proclamation closes executive branch offices that day and gives state workers in those offices a paid holiday. Workers in public safety, emergency response, and critical state operations are exempt and remain on duty.

Dunleavy tied the closure to the nation's 250th anniversary, saying the Semiquincentennial is "a once in a generation opportunity for all Americans to reflect upon the founding ideals of liberty, self-government, and human dignity that have guided our nation through challenge, conflict, and triumph." The proclamation is intended to let executive branch employees participate in America 250 events, travel safely, and celebrate with their communities.

The closure covers executive branch offices only. Legislative and judicial branch offices are not addressed by the proclamation.