Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska vetoed a measure on Thursday that would have increased school funding by $253 million per year. The measure included a $1,000 increase to the Base Student Allocation, the state’s per-student funding formula. Despite threats from Dunleavy to veto the bill, the Alaska Legislature narrowly passed it after removing policy provisions designed to appeal to the governor.
Dunleavy cited deteriorating revenue and lack of policy in the bill as reasons for the veto. He plans to introduce a new bill with a smaller increase to the Base Student Allocation of $560, along with other targeted investments. The vetoed bill included provisions for policies such as open enrollment, charter schools, homeschooling programs, and cellphone use policies in schools.
Many school administrators in Alaska have expressed the need for increased funding after almost a decade of flat funding, with the potential loss of hundreds of jobs without a funding increase. The proposed $1,000 BSA boost would cost the state over $250 million annually, which some legislators view as unaffordable given the state’s deficit.
Supporters of the vetoed bill are seeking to override Dunleavy’s decision, but securing the necessary votes may be challenging. Lawmakers are discussing next steps if the override fails, as the vetoed bill heads back to the Legislature for consideration. Dunleavy’s proposed alternate bill could result in varying fiscal impacts on different school districts, drawing criticism from some lawmakers and stakeholders.
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