Since statehood in 1959, the Alaska Legislature has overridden 43 governor vetoes. However, the last time we overrode a veto was in 2009. Interestingly, the Legislature overrode 20 of Gov. Tony Knowles’ vetoes and 14 of Gov. Jay Hammond’s. For the past five governors, though, we have overridden only one.
It is time that the Legislature reasserts its authority as an equal branch of government. We should not be subservient to the executive branch. I pray that the day will come when the body takes back its constitutional power. It saddens me deeply that Monday was not that day.
— Rep. Andrew Gray
Anchorage
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