The Legislature approved a one-time increase of $680 per-student education funding to local schools, known as the Base Student Allocation (BSA), totaling $175 million. The Governor vetoed this increase in half to $87.5 million, or a $340 increase per student.
This e-news reviews the vetoes and notable projects that stayed within the budget.
$87.5 Million in School Funding Vetoed
Governor Dunleavy’s largest veto was for $87.5 million in funding for local schools, leaving only half of the one-time funding increase the Legislature approved. This money was requested by school districts as necessary to prevent cuts to schools. Since the per-student formula used to fund schools, known as the Base Student Allocation, is not automatically adjusted for inflation, it is necessary for the Legislature to regularly adjust the formula. School districts across the state testified that without a significant increase to the BSA, they would have to make significant cuts to education. Here in East Anchorage, the Anchorage School District proposed closing Nunaka Valley and Wonder Park Elementary Schools.
The Senate provided adequate and reliable school funding through the Base Student Allocation a top priority, and we passed SB 52 which would increase the BSA by $680 per student and require more transparency and accountability from school districts. Unfortunately, this bill did not pass the House this year, but we did agree to include the equivalent amount of funding for one year in the budget. Dunleavy vetoed half of this funding leaving only the equivalent of $340 dollars per student. School districts will have to decide how to incorporate these cuts into their budgets.
The Legislature can override this veto, but it is not easy. Our Constitution has the highest threshold in the country for overriding a budget veto – three-quarters of the full Legislature (45 of 60 votes) are required to override a budget veto. The last time a budget veto was overridden was 14 years ago in 2009. I support calling a special session to attempt to override this veto, I know it will be a challenge but education is too important not to stand up for.
Other Education Funding Vetoes
Additional education money was vetoed from the University of Alaska budget totaling $35.4 million.
This includes a $19 Million cut to maintenance projects at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
The issue with cutting maintenance funding is it will often end up costing the State more money in the long run as maintenance needs increase.
Additional education funding that is Vetoed:
$10 million for School Major Maintenance – but $20 million remains
$1.5 million for Head Start Match – but a $3.5 Million increase remains
Education funding that remained in the budget:
$7.5 Million for Additional Funding to Support Child Care Block Grants for Wage Increases
Nearly $3 million increase to Pre-K, for a total of $8,699,000 for Pre-Kindergarten programs
Dozens of additional vetoes were announced by the Governor and a full list can be found here.
Long Trail Projects Funded
One of the bright spots in the budget includes funding for three projects that support the Alaska Long Trail. The Alaska Long Trail will connect 500 miles of hiking, biking, and motorized trails between Seward and Fairbanks.
The three projects are:
* Eklutna Lakeside Trail Improvements to repair erosion and improve safety. $234,000
* Ram Valley Access Reestablishment to make sure trail access is secured around private land. $100,000
* Indian Valley Trail Reroute to fix erosion and reroute the summer trail. $1,100,000
The Alaska Long Trail enjoys broad support from local communities, economic development groups, and the tourism industry. Alaska will enjoy millions of dollars in additional economic activity when the trails are completed.
Another bright spot in the budget is the funding and extension of the Renewable Energy Fund (REF). The REF first passed the legislature in 2008 and has led to dozens of renewable energy projects coming online. The most recent passage of REF through HB 62 makes the program permanent. $30 Million in additional projects were announced across the state as part of round 15 funding.
I am glad to be back in the district for the summer. Don't hesitate to reach out if I may be of assistance.
