House and Senate Fail to Override Governor’s Education Veto

Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

April 23, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Last week, Governor Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 69, which would have permanently raised the Base Student Allocation by $1,000. Yesterday, the House and Senate met in Joint Session to consider overriding that veto. The override vote failed 33 -27, as the Alaska Constitution requires 40 votes needed to override the Governor.

After signing the veto of HB 69, the Governor introduced his own education bill that includes a $560 BSA increase along with additional funding and policy measures, many of which have been under consideration this year.

And finally, the State of Alaska released a long-awaited salary study showing that many public employees are underpaid.

The Legislature Fails to Override the

Veto of House Bill 69

Governor Dunleavy vetoed House Bill 69 last week. The bill would have permanently raised the base student allocation by $1,000 without additional policy changes. To review that bill, click here.

As required by Article II, Section 16 of the Alaska Constitution, the Legislature met in Joint Session on Tuesday to consider overriding the veto. The vote failed 33 - 27. For a non-appropriations veto, the Legislature needs 40 out of 60 Legislators to approve the override.

The vote tally to override the veto was 33-27.

Governor Dunleavy introduced new legislation to fund schools. His bill, Senate Bill 182 and House Bill 204, would permanently raise the base student allocation by $560. It includes $13.6 million to increase the funding allocated towards correspondence schools, which currently receive 90% of the BSA amount directed towards brick-and-mortar schools. It includes $21.9 million in grants to support reading proficiency. And it would change open enrollment laws to allow students to attend school outside of their residential school district and would amend the process local school districts use to regulate charter schools.

State Releases Salary Study

Last week, after months of delay, the Governor's administration released a study on state workers' salaries. The Legislature commissioned the report from the Segal Group for $1 million. The report shows that over a quarter of state workers are paid less than the median market wage, and that over half of state workers are paid less than the 65th percentile. The 65th percentile is historically the marker the state uses to ensure that state jobs are paid at competitive rates.

The Alaska State Employees Association - which represents about 8,400 public employees - sued the administration in February over the delayed release of the study. The original schedule for release of the study was June 2024.

The study shows that nearly 3,000 state positions were vacant at the beginning of 2025. Every department currently faces staffing shortages, including public safety and law enforcement. Paying our public servants a dignified, competitive wage is critical for the delivery of essential services and maintaining a workforce in Alaska.

You can see the full report results here.

Senate Bill 90

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee will be hearing Senate Bill 90. Senator Giessel's legislation will lower the age of consent from 18 to 16 to allow minors to receive essential mental health and behavioral health treatment.

With Alaska leading our nation in youth suicide rates, our youth need better access to mental health care and other preventive measures. I have worked on mental health legislation during my time in the legislature. Through this work, I've had the opportunity to learn from many diverse organizations and advocates. Some of the most meaningful information has come from students. Please watch the testimony from three emerging leaders:

Too often, children and teenagers don't have the opportunity to talk at home about their mental health needs and concerns. Our older youth should be able to make some of their own decisions about mental health treatment, as described in SB 90.

I am proud to co-sponsor SB 90 and will continue to advocate for improved mental and behavioral health services in Alaska.

Youth advocates from Emerging Leaders offering public testimony supporting SB 90 in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 2, 2025.

Community Events

Anchorage Citywide Cleanup

When: Saturday May 3rd, 12pm - 3pm

Where: Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park

It’s springtime in Alaska and that means it’s time for the Anchorage Chamber Citywide Cleanup presented by Matson!

Come on out to Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park at Westchester Lagoon on Saturday, May 3 from 12–3 p.m. to register your crew, pick up bags, drop off trash, and learn how you can win $5,000 in prizes by cleaning up Anchorage.

So mark your calendars and we’ll see you at the Citywide Cleanup Kickoff – Saturday, May 3, at Westchester Lagoon near the boat launch!

Full Citywide Cleanup Detail Available Online:

https://www.anchoragechamber.org/citywide-cleanup.../

Anchorage Running Club Spring Cleanup

When: May 3rd, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Where: Behind the Peanut Farm

Let’s clean up our trails and have some fun! Meet us behind the Peanut Farm and help the Anchorage Running Club get the trails ready for summer. Bring friends and family! For more information, click here.