A group of conservative members of the Alaska House of Representatives is signaling a strong commitment to attend the special legislative session called by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, set to begin Aug. 2, even as other lawmakers may push for a quick override of key budget vetoes.
At issue is the governor’s fractional veto of a $700 increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA), which reduced the hike to $500 per student.
While the liberal House majority, their enablers among Republicans, and Senate leadership are expected to push for an override of that and other vetoes, several conservative legislators say they are coming to Juneau not to spend more, but to advocate for targeted reforms that demand better outcomes for Alaska students.
“I will be in Juneau to represent the people of Eagle River and hold the line on fiscal responsibility,” said Rep. Jamie Allard (R-Eagle River). “Overriding these vetoes would simply pour more money into a failing system without addressing the root causes of our education crisis. The Democrats and their allies are set on a quick override and adjournment — likely heading off to out-of-state events and conferences while Alaskans are left with the same broken policies.”
Rep. Kevin McCabe (R-Big Lake) pointed to the outsized influence of unions such as NEA-Alaska as part of the problem, arguing they resist reforms that would bring greater accountability and performance standards: “These unions fight every reform that threatens their grip on the status quo,” said McCabe. “I appreciate my conservative teammates in the House who stand with me and our Republican governor.”
House Rep. Rep. Cathy Tilton (R-Wasilla) also confirmed her intent, citing the importance of Dunleavy’s education reform agenda. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with my colleagues demanding meaningful education reforms such as those presented by our Governor including expanding charter schools, open enrollment, targeted reading programs, and teacher retention bonuses tied to performance with a focus on fiscal responsibility.”
Rep. Sarah Vance (R-Homer) pointed to solutions already on the table, including her House Bill 29, which would allow school districts to pool healthcare costs. “I remain committed to doing the will of the people by showing up, engaging, and voting for fiscal responsibility and smart education policy,” she said. “HB 29 would save districts millions that can go right back into classrooms.”
Rep. Rebecca Schwanke (R-Glennallen) emphasized the need for educational approaches rooted in culture, geography, and parental control. “If we’re serious about improving education, we need to decouple from the influence of the ed-tech industry,” Schwanke said. “Our Alaska Native communities are already doing this through tribal compacting. It’s time to truly embrace parental choice and return to the core principles of classic education.”
Rep. George Rauscher (R-Sutton), while noting he may arrive slightly late due to prior training obligations, expressed his commitment to the session’s goals. “The Governor has approved a $500.00 per-student increase in the formula, and we all know that charter schools—and some other areas in education—have achieved better academic results with less funding,” he said. “Fiscal responsibility going forward is pertinent to the process.”
While legislative leaders have signaled plans to convene a joint session immediately to attempt veto overrides, conservative lawmakers say that is not enough. They argue that the governor’s proposals, including reforms aimed at accountability, parental choice, and improved student outcomes, deserve a full and fair hearing.
The people of Alaska deserve more than a rubber stamp override and a quick adjournment, these members are saying. Alaskans deserve a Legislature willing to work through real problems and deliver real results.
Sadly, I reached out to Dan Saddler and he justified to me in an email why his why he voted to fund the bloated school budget and over ride the governor veto. Was it a worthy justification, hell no! I told him that he disappointed me and fellow conservatives and was duped by the liberals of spending Alaska into bankruptcy. I will never vote for him again. He’s another RINO, plain and simple.
I would like to hear from the Valley LYING Republican Union Uni Party Coalition made up of Elexie Moore, Robert Yunt, and Jubilee Underwood. RINO is too soft a word for these people. They are Union Communists disguised as Republicans. Giving our Party a bad name, causing our Valley Voters to no longer TRUST the Election Process. They are making America bad again.
Feel free to call my office, I would love to chat with you. I’m baffled at why I am considered a Union Communist. 🤔
What?? These conservative legislators are going to defy the Governor’s admonishment to not show up for the special session that he called?
We can imagine their justification, which is admirable: “Look, the Gov is a fool, but I’m not. I am not going to do as he suggests and hide at home and neglect my duty. I’m going to attend all days of the special session, and I’m going to fight for the ideals that I and my constituents support.”
The Governor came out a couple days ago and clearly said he plans to see all legislators in Juneau to start the Special Session.
Oh, so the Governor flip-flopped from his previous cynicism, where he asked legislators to stay away? That’s good to know. Wonder why he did that?
Nothing will change so long as the Legislature meets in Juneau and the Governor refuses to use his bully pulpit and sits silently. Anchorage and Fairbanks have gone completely blue during his administration. Where was his voice and that of the Republicans in the local and state races in these districts? The Dems are fighting to win, the Republicans are not fighting. Get the party behind the candidates for every elected office, the Dems have never failed to support liberal candidates in local elections.
Republicans aka RINO’s need to be removed, the jerks who are Democrats need to be removed.