Fiscal discipline, strengthening the economy and protecting personal freedoms. We hold strong to these values as the Senate Republican Caucus, and they will be our north star in the 34th Alaska Legislature, which begins today (Tuesday).

North Slope oil prices are $4.14 per barrel lower than predicted for the current fiscal year, and the state is receiving $220 million less than expected. The decline is expected to continue over the next few years.

Fiscal discipline is how we will achieve a viable and promising future, one that can be sustained and where people can thrive. To get there, we must streamline state government without sacrificing essential services; we must prepare a ready workforce by improving public education outcomes with proven strategies. We must empower the private sector to drive growth and to foster vibrant communities. All of this is doable, realistic and necessary. Our proposals in the Legislature will be to this end.

We are optimistic that new doors will be opening for Alaska thanks to new national leadership and Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s efforts to work with President Donald Trump to spark new development, bring in new industries, and reopen Alaska for responsible resource development.

The way forward is to create opportunity, which the national efforts will certainly do for Alaska. Consider how much more we could do if state efforts were in sync? The Senate Republican Caucus will have this focus.

We know opportunity involves a strong private sector economy. State overspending will not set up our children and grandchildren to enjoy the freedoms and full potential of Alaska, to enjoy the beauty and all our state has to offer. Growing our economy will.

When industry flourishes, Alaska flourishes, and residents who want to be productive can make their American dream come true. We love this state and its people, and we want to set up future generations for success.

Our team is led by a pilot and war veteran and members come with diverse life experience. We have seasoned lawmakers and new blood. The caucus includes a truck driver, a builder, a retired corporate executive, a retired teacher and a former health care executive. We are parents and grandparents, small business owners, volunteers in our communities, residents past and present in rural and urban Alaska, on and off the road system.

Our values reflect the values of mainstream Alaskans. We believe in common-sense conservative leadership and understand how critical fair elections are. We have vision and practical solutions. Our priority is not a bureaucratic state but a constitutional government poised to serve the people.

We will have members of our caucus on almost every Senate committee, and we plan to use our voice to uphold Alaskan values. We will work with Senate Republicans and members outside of our caucus who aspire toward accountable, efficient and transparent government that provides opportunities and respects personal freedoms.

We stand ready to steer Alaska toward a fiscally sound future with responsible resource development; improved education outcomes for our children; and a flourishing private economy where hard-working Alaskans can pursue happiness and opportunity — and achieve goals and success.

Minority Leader Sen. Mike Shower and Sens. Mike Cronk, Shelley Hughes, James Kaufman, Robert Myers and Robert Yundt are members of the Alaska Senate Republican Caucus for the 34th Legislature.