Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 57, a bipartisan education funding measure that aimed to increase the state’s per-student funding allocation. The bill proposed a $700 rise in the Base Student Allocation (BSA), elevating it from $5,960 to $6,660, which would have added approximately $183 million to the annual education budget.
In his veto message, Governor Dunleavy stated that the bill lacked sufficient education policy reforms necessary to improve student outcomes. He emphasized that without evidence showing that a permanent increase in the BSA would enhance educational results, the bill did not serve the best interests of Alaskans.
House Bill 57 included several policy changes, such as setting maximum class sizes, modifying the charter school application process, and mandating school districts to establish cellphone use policies. However, the governor expressed concerns that the bill did not incorporate all his desired reforms, including provisions for open enrollment and increased funding for homeschool programs.
This veto marks the third time in two years that Governor Dunleavy has rejected legislation aimed at increasing education funding. Previous attempts to override such vetoes have failed, but lawmakers are preparing for another override vote, scheduled for Tuesday morning. A successful override requires a two-thirds majority in the Legislature.
Legislators and education advocates have expressed disappointment over the veto. House Speaker Bryce Edgmon described the veto as a significant setback, emphasizing the urgent need for increased education funding to address the challenges faced by Alaska’s public schools.
The outcome of the upcoming override vote will determine whether the proposed funding increases and policy changes in House Bill 57 will be implemented, impacting the future of education in Alaska.