Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska has called for the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education following the department’s wrongful attack on the state over Covid-era relief money distribution. The federal government has admitted that Alaska did not have an issue with how the funds were distributed despite their initial allegations. Governor Dunleavy and Commissioner of Education Deena Bishop both stated that Alaska’s stance has been vindicated and that the federal government had abused its power in their case.
The dispute arose from a provision in the American Rescue Plan Act that aimed to ensure low-income school districts did not face disproportionate funding cuts. Despite allegations that Alaska provided too little funding to some urban districts, the state followed an approved funding formula and did not actually reduce education funding. The Education Department failed to understand Alaska’s “hold harmless” provision, which allows districts time to adjust funding based on changes in enrollment.
Governor Dunleavy vetoed a proposed budget addition meant to resolve the dispute with the federal government, vowing to uphold the laws of Alaska despite pressure from unelected bureaucrats. The saga has highlighted the federal government’s abuse of power and served as a case study for Governor Dunleavy’s support for eliminating the Department of Education. Ultimately, the federal government has acknowledged Alaska’s transparent and fair distribution of Covid-era relief funds, bringing an end to a long and unnecessary battle for the state.
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Photo credit mustreadalaska.com
