I would like to thank Reps. Dan Saddler, Calvin Schrage, Jamie Allard, Jennie Armstrong, Julie Coulombe, Zack Fields, Alyse Galvin, Andrew Gray, Cliff Groh, Craig Johnson, Andy Josephson, Tom McKay, Donna Mears, Genevieve Mina, Laddie Shaw and Stanley Wright, as well as Sens. Cathy Giessel, Bill Wielechowski, Matt Claman, Forrest Dunbar, Elvi Gray-Jackson, James Kaufman, Kelly Merrick and Löki Gale Tobin, for standing up and voting ‘Yes’ on SB140, the biggest monetary increase to our educational system in Alaska’s history.
I know it was a tough vote, and while no side got everything it wanted, the compromise is going to be like the cavalry arriving for our beleaguered schools.
Unfortunately, the governor is threatening to veto all of this because he has the power, and he didn’t get what he wanted. Instead of having worked hard to find consensus or compromise beforehand, he is planning on blowing it all up this March 14 or later this summer, in a line-item budget veto. This will spell disaster and chaos for school districts across the state.
People of Anchorage, please do two things: 1. Call your legislator and thank them for passing SB140.
2. Help them find the courage to override the governor’s threatened vetoes.
It’s tough for a loyal Republican legislator to stand up to their governor, but they must find the courage. Please support them and let them know you’ve got their back when they vote to override.
All of Alaska is watching.
— Michael Bucy
Juneau
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