Governor Dunleavy announces his vetoed items to the Budget

The Alaska House Majority responded to Governor Mike Dunleavy’s recent budget vetoes, which include reductions of 202 million dollars of Undesignated General Funds (UGF): 145 million in operating funds, and 56 million in Capital projects. Members of the House Majority acknowledged the challenges faced by the Governor and appreciate his thorough scrutiny of the budget. Caucus members were encouraged by his commitment to engage in further discussions on the needs of our education system in Alaska.

Governor Dunleavy’s decision to reduce education funding by 50% to the Base Student Allocation will lead to a one-time increase of approximately $340 per student which is an increase from last year of approximately 30 million dollars. Caucus members share the Governor’s dedication to addressing fiscal constraints while providing critical support to our students. The Caucus’s commitment to ensuring a thriving education system in Alaska remains unwavering, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with all stakeholders to explore sustained funding opportunities and improvements.

House Speaker Cathy Tilton (R- Wasilla) commented, “It is important to adequately fund education and it is equally important to ensure those dollars are being used most effectively in the classroom, I believe the Governor’s vetoes reflect that balance and the necessity of fiscal responsibility. The Alaska House Majority remains committed to working to address the ongoing needs of our education system and advocate for sustainable funding solutions.”

The University of Alaska System capital projects will experience reductions of approximately 36.7 million. However, it is worth noting that crucial initiatives such as UAF Roof repairs, UAA Library funds, and the UAF Drone program have been retained in the budget. These projects play a pivotal role in maintaining excellence within our higher education institutions. The FY 23 budget contains increases to the Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections, and the Court system. As well as retaining critical infrastructure projects and economic development.

As representatives of the Alaskan people, the Alaska House Majority remains resolute in our dedication to good governance, a strong state economy, better infrastructure, quality education, and robust public safety. We are determined to work alongside Governor Dunleavy and his administration as well as our colleagues in the Alaska Legislature, seeking common ground and developing solutions that will benefit all Alaskans.

Alaska House Majority

Juneau, AK

AASB’s response to Gov. Dunleavy’s 2024 Education Budget vetoes

The Association of Alaska School Boards is extremely disappointed and gravely concerned by the unjustified veto of half of the one-time $175 million in education funding outside the BSA. This action further jeopardizes a constitutionally mandated public education system that will continue to crumble and collapse due to the chronic under-investment of both the Alaskan education profession and its aging infrastructure.

The Alaska Legislature made a commitment to Alaska’s families and students that kept hope alive for at least stabilizing the decay of public education for one more year. While not unanimous, the Legislature made a historic and significant statement by approving nearly $175 million in one-time funding and $30 million in school maintenance funds, providing districts across the state with a lifeline for the coming year. It is, therefore, incomprehensible to think that a former educator and school administrator would be willing to jeopardize the future of Alaska’s youth and, frankly, his own agenda to make our state the best place to raise a family.

In the state of Alaska, school boards have been delegated the authority and responsibility of allocating resources to implement a public education system open to every child. Boards are now tasked with the unenviable task of deciding to choose which programs to cut, how many staff to lay-off, how many more children to pack into a classroom, which cherished extracurricular activity must be sacrificed, and how many more buckets to scrounge up to catch the rain from leaky roofs. Boards are unable to find the funds needed to pay staff appropriately, leading to the loss of quality educators and increasing labor conflicts. School boards will make highly unpopular and draconian decisions that will further alienate the constituency they were elected to serve through no fault of their own.

This veto is a significant setback, to be sure. However, there is recourse, which lies in our efforts to convince the Legislature that the Governor’s cuts are unwarranted and short-sighted. As an Association of Alaska School Boards, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to step forward as champions of public education and say enough is enough! School boards and staff have not forgotten what the promise of a high-quality public education can mean for each child’s opportunity, no matter where they come from or what religion, race, or sexual identity they are. Until and unless the constitution of the State of Alaska is changed, we know what is required. We must convince the Legislature to act decisively and remind the Governor of his responsibility as well.

Association of Alaska School Boards

Juneau, AK

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