Alaska Senate Set to Approve Education Funding Increase Amid Veto Threat
The Alaska Senate is on track to approve a stripped-back education measure with a $250 million school funding increase, which has drawn an immediate veto threat from Governor Mike Dunleavy. The Senate panel removed all policy provisions from a bipartisan education package approved by the House, leaving only a $1,000 boost to the Base Student Allocation.
School administrators are advocating for the funding increase to address the crisis in the public school system, including potential teacher layoffs and program cuts. Governor Dunleavy criticized the bill on social media, calling it a “joke” that lacks accountability and support for high-performing schools.
If the stripped-down bill is approved by the Legislature, Dunleavy has vowed to veto it, requiring a 40-vote majority to override. Some lawmakers are unsure of the override’s success, leading to discussions on a smaller funding increase. The original bill included policy reforms aimed at appeasing the governor, which were removed by the Senate Finance Committee.
Lawmakers are now waiting to see the level of support for the $1,000 BSA boost. There are concerns about the bill’s affordability, with opposition from Republican minority members who believe the increase is unaffordable and politically motivated. Anchorage Democratic Senator Löki Tobin urged Alaskans to lobby legislators to override a potential veto, emphasizing the importance of schools as critical infrastructure in every community. The story is still developing, with updates expected.
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