Lawmakers discuss progress on education package as veto deadline looms

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – State lawmakers said they are continuing talks with Gov. Mike Dunleavy on an education package that they can all agree on.

The governor said last week he would veto any package that did not contain provisions relating to charter school reform and teacher bonuses.

On Tuesday, House and Senate lawmakers discussed the governor’s education policies.

“I’m personally really concerned about without assurances of the governor he will not veto the dollars at the end of the day in education in the student funding. I’m really concerned that we are being asked to give up a lot without receiving some assurance that the student monies will not be vetoed,” Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said.

The education package that passed the House and Senate included a $680 BSA increase.

The governor wants $55 million to fund teacher bonuses anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, which he said will help retain and recruit teachers.

At Wednesday’s Senate Education Committee hearing, senators will be discussing the governor’s proposal, but Senate Finance chair Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, said there is some concern over the state’s ability to fund the governor’s proposal.

“It’s pretty clear that a 25% dividend along with the 680 BSA, we could still balance the budget with not a lot of room,” Stedman said.

House Minority leader Rep. Calvin Schrage, I-Anchorage, said he would not support a cut to the BSA to pay for teacher bonuses.

School districts like Anchorage are already dipping into reserves to balance their respective budgets.

“Well, I can tell you, we would not support a cut to the BSA to be able to pay for teacher bonuses or other provisions. You know, one of the concerns that we have is how we pay for this -so one of the things that I’ll be looking forward as for in this solution is that whatever we come up with, it’s vetted that we know the cost of it, and that it’s something that works with our state’s financials” Schrage said.

Some House Majority members said Tuesday that they feel a compromise is close.

Rep. Julie Coulombe, R-Anchorage, said she’s hoping the governor will not have to use his veto power.

“I don’t think we’re very far apart from the governor from each other. I think these are just, you know, kind of delicate negotiations that need to happen- I’m very hopeful that is going to get worked out before it ever comes to a veto,” she said.

Lawmakers have until March 14 to come to a compromise with the governor.

Two-thirds of lawmakers would need to vote in a joint session to override Dunleavy’s veto of an education package.

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