In a quick joint session on Tuesday, the Alaska Legislature has overridden a veto by Gov. Mike Dunleavy on House Bill 57, an education spending bill that fell short of the policy expectations of the governor.
The vote was 46 to 14, with several Republicans joining the Democrats to oppose the governor’s veto of giving $200+ million to the NEA with no strings attached.
Republican House Minority Leader Rep. Mia Costello voted to override Dunleavy, along with Anchorage Republicans David Nelson and Julie Coulombe, Ketchikan Republican Jeremy Bynum, Kenai Republicans Bill Elam and Justin Ruffridge, Fairbanks Republican Will Stapp, and Eagle River Republican Dan Saddler. The issue appears to have fractured the House Republican minority.
In the Senate, Republicans Rob Yundt, Jesse Bjorkman, Mike Cronk, and James Kaufman joined the Democrat-led majority to vote for the override.
Republican women’s clubs around the state had issued a warning that they would withdraw all support for those incumbent Republicans who voted to override the governor.
The joint session only needed 40 votes. Getting above 45 was a message to the governor that certain Republicans will oppose him on other vetoes as well, if he line-items specific spending to make up for the Legislature’s decision on HB 57.
This really shows us who is faking conservative values (the YES votes).
So sad. So disappointing. Thank you Gov D for trying to improve the miserable state of public education in AK. Make note of those who stood their ground with the governor. This is why pubic education in AK continues to fail, getting worse every year. Pathetic.
The Alaska GOP died today. The republican legislators don’t care about the will of the Alaskan people. I will join with the valley republican women and financially support all candidates opposing these traitors. The Alaskan GOP leadership should all resign, they are all incompetent.
Governor, Keep vetoing, force the supposed republicans and democrats to show themselves to the voters, the more they override, the more the news covers them by name, and maybe voters will finally wake up, until that happens unions will continue to control the elected officials and our state will continue to decline.
Lol.
Government plays political ping pong while the populace watches and bickers.
Want proper education? Make sure to be involved with your children’s lives. The school does not teach you everything you should know about the deeper mysteries of our existence. You have to do that for yourselves.
Be aware, be present. And give your local politician a pay-cut.
Glad we now know who is in the pocket is the NEA. I’ll need to print that list to know who can NEVER get my vote again.
For far too long Alaskan voters have been complacent with local politics. Many I know only care about national elections. This will go a long way to ending this complacency. Many thanks for the scammers for exposing themselves!
Mike Cronk?
What the hell happened to you in Juneau?
The vote was 46 to 14, in a state where a Republican Gov vetoed a bill and the majority of the state legislator are Republicans (in name only). Talk about a disconnect. This is from the same state where Trump won by 15%.
The question is “How did we get here?” How did our controlling body get so disconnected from the base and so treacherous?
My person opinion is that we lack leadership, we have a selfish and lazy electorate and we(Alaskans) have proven to not pay attention to what happened. We do not punish these bad actors and, in a lot of ways, reward them.
Heads up Legislature’s, You can’t hide in Juneau forever Thinking about the people and not your pockets might be a REALLY good idea
Once again, the absolute best Democrats in Alaska have an R behind them.
Brace yourself for what comes next.
Dumber students (if possible) and taxes of every conceivable kind to pay for it
We are well and truly Californicated.
Governor Dunleavy, get out that red Sharpie and line item every line in the budget that supports this nonsense.
SNL Church Lady comes to mind.
I hope the Gov keeps vetoing this in the budget.
Lets us see the souls of the conservatives we send to juno.
How proud are Progressives of taking money from every man, woman & child in rural AK, then passing it on to the teachers; who are the richest people in those towns?
GOP is just so useless.
Well we have a broken Republican Party. Individuals who think they know what’s best for and doesn’t believe in our own state Dunleavy Gov.
“…with several Republicans joining the Democrats to oppose the governor’s veto.” Turncoats. Can’t primary these RINOs soon enough. If they keep going, the state will be bankrupt.
My Representative Dan Saddler will hear from me for voting YES. This does nothing but waste money no accountability nothing but pure garbage.
I am very glad to see Elexie voted no.
I am very upset that this farce of a bill will now be passed. Many educators in Alaska will be disappointed and who knows if students will get the education they need at this point.
I hope the Governor Red Lines all Union enhancing portions in all the bills. It is time to use all the power we have. Call him, thank him, encourage him. This is no time for him to feel alone.
JUDAS Yundt, the Valley’s Disgrace.
Sadly, he has a lot of company.
As all govt employees celebrate today, the rest of Alaska better hunker down as we are going to see the biggest economic downturn we have ever seen, including the 1980’s. You vote crap politicians, you get CRAP! Embarrassed to say I am a Republican.
Insanity !
Sure. Throw more money at it. That will fix the problems. It’s always worked before! I guess I may have to make a new list of Candidates I Would Consider Voting For.
Red pen line item veto!! Do it!