With one day left until the deadline to veto a sweeping education bill that would include the state's first major increase in school funding in years, Alaska lawmakers and Gov. Mike Dunleavy have not reached an agreement.
If the governor vetoes the education bill on Thursday, the Legislature will convene a joint session to consider overriding it as early as next Monday, legislative leaders announced Wednesday.
Sen. Bill Wirechowski (D-Anchorage) said he had good talks with the governor Monday and Tuesday night, but no deal was reached and he doesn't know what will happen tomorrow.
“I think we're actually pretty close. But the issue is charter schools and state control and local control. And for our caucus, it wasn't really a jump start,” he said. said.
Senate President Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) said the governor's attempt to move control of charter schools under the State Board of Education and away from local districts is the biggest issue the caucus has with the administration. He said this is one of the problems. Dunleavy also cited issues such as teacher bonus incentives and reading funding as reasons for a possible veto.
“I really think the best decisions are made close to the kids, parents, and schools, not in a statewide administration. So I believe in local control. That's what works best in education. I think so,” Stevens said.
Sen. Loki Tobin, D-Anchorage, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, said basic school funding would benefit charter schools. He said at least one school district is considering closing a charter school to cut costs due to a lack of funding. “Nome's public charter schools have existed for over 25 years and it would be a travesty to see their doors close,” she said.
Wierechowski and Stevens point to equity issues with charters, such as districts paying more to support administrative tasks, and further consider policies that increase access to charters. Said it was necessary.
Lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved the education bill, Senate Bill 140, which could override a potential veto if all members vote the same way. The total vote for the measure was 56-3, meaning only 40 of the 60 votes would be needed to defeat it. Several lawmakers who voted in favor of the bill have indicated they may support the governor's veto.
If Dunleavy does not act this week, the bill will become law without his signature, but even if that happens, he will not be able to decide whether to fund it when the budget is presented later this year. It is possible to exercise the right of veto.
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