Judge Adolf Zeman was perfectly clear when he ruled that “no money shall be paid from public funds for the direct benefit of any religious or private educational institution” (ADN, April 18). Despite the judge’s clear reasoning, both Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Attorney General Treg Taylor contended the ruling is vague and broad, making it difficult to determine what type of programs would be permitted under this decision.
Give me a break. In 2014, then-Sen. Dunleavy admitted the Alaska Constitution prohibited the use of public funds for private schools and was warned that such use could be unconstitutional. Despite that previous admission, Gov. Dunleavy is now arguing just the opposite.
Also flip-flopping his original position is Treg Taylor, who initially chose to stay neutral on the issue because his wife in 2022 had publicly advocated for the use of public funds for private religious schooling. Now Taylor contends “the situation with (his) kids’ schooling has changed significantly” and his unexplained choice of an outside counsel determined he no longer has a conflict. Give me another break.
Taylor and Dunleavy appear determined to support their questionable positions, including an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary. Sen. Bill Wielechowski says there is “no chance” the Supreme Court will take up Alaska’s case. A possible alternative to the Supreme Court is a constitutional amendment which would require support from two-thirds of both the Alaska House and Senate, another long shot. Isn’t it good to know that our elected leaders are willing to spend their time and our dollars on issues that have such a low likelihood of success?
— Mike Jens
Anchorage
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