Today, Governor Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 69, which was poised to increase funding for Alaska’s public schools for the first time in nearly ten years. The bipartisan bill sought to provide adequate support for all public schooling options, including charter and home schools within the public system.
NEA-Alaska President Tom Klaameyer expressed his disappointment with the veto, stating, “To say I am disappointed Governor Dunleavy vetoed education funding is an understatement. Unfortunately, it’s not surprising. We knew this Governor was going to play politics with Alaska students’ futures – and it’s disgraceful. Across the state, Alaskans have come together asking the Legislature to adequately fund our public schools. Though HB 69 may not be a perfect bill, it was a significant step forward to invest in our students. I urge every legislator to vote to override Governor Dunleavy’s veto and do the right thing for our kids.”
Governor Dunleavy previously stated that NEA-Alaska opposed certain policy measures removed from the bill, such as limiting student cell phone use, supporting charter schools, and allowing students to choose their schools. NEA-Alaska clarified that they do not oppose these policy suggestions.
This veto marks the second consecutive year Governor Dunleavy has rejected an education funding bill, contributing to the issue of static funding for Alaska’s schools over the past decade. For further details, Nora Morse can be contacted at the provided email.
