Alaska lawmakers will reconvene in Juneau this Saturday for a special session sparked by Governor Mike Dunleavy’s recent policy priorities. The governor urged legislators to fix Alaska’s chronic education performance crisis and food insecurity challenges.
He also proposed reviving his rejected executive order to create a Department of Agriculture focused on food security. Meanwhile, legislative leaders announced a different focus, overriding Dunleavy’s vetoes.
They plan to overturn his education vetoes, which slashed over $50 million from the school budget statewide. In addition, lawmakers will attempt to override his rejection of a bill increasing legislative oversight over oil and gas revenues.
Both votes require substantial support, with 45 votes to override budget vetoes and 45 for policy-related ones. Governor Dunleavy had previously asked 19 Republican House members to boycott the first five days of the session to prevent the overrides.
That move sparked backlash from both Senate and House majorities, who insisted that every lawmaker fulfil their constitutional duties. Senate President Gary Stevens and House majorities, who insisted that every lawmaker must fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.
Senate President Gary Stevens and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon issued a joint statement on Monday urging full attendance. They emphasized that these votes are essential to restoring public education and asserting legislative authority over state revenues.
Edgmon echoed the sentiment and insisted lawmakers must participate. Governor Dunleavy, in contrast, outlined eight agenda items, including tribal education compacts and expanded school choice.
