Contact: Nora Morse, [email protected]
Anchorage – Today, Governor Dunleavey vetoed HB 69, which would have been the first substantial increase to Alaska public school funding in almost a decade. This was a bipartisan bill aimed to adequately support all public schools – including charter and home school options within the public system.
“To say I am disappointed Governor Dunleavy vetoed education funding is an understatement,” said NEA-Alaska President Tom Klaameyer. “Unfortunately, it’s not surprising. We knew this Governor was going to play politics with Alaska students' futures – and it’s disgraceful. Across the state, Alaskans have come together asking the Legislature to adequately fund our public schools. Though HB 69 may not be a perfect bill, it was a significant step forward to invest in our students. I urge every legislator to vote to override Governor Dunleavy’s veto and do the right thing for our kids.”
Previously, Govenor Dunleavy incorrectly claimed NEA-Alaska opposed the policy provisions stripped from this bill, including limiting student cell phone use, supporting charter schools, and allowing students to attend the school of their choice. NEA-Alaska doesn’t oppose any of those policy suggestions.
This is the second year in a row Governor Dunleavy has vetoed an education funding bill causing Alaska schools to be flat funded for almost a decade.
For more information, please contact Nora Morse at [email protected]
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