JUNEAU – Alaska House Republicans today responded to the Governor’s veto of HB 69 and are optimistic at the introduction of a new education reform bill that includes both increased funding and policy reforms.
The funding measures present in the bill, which will be formally introduced next week, include a $560 increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA), increased district funding for public school correspondence programs, and incentive grant funding for students based on reading proficiency and improvement. Altogether, the funding in the Governor’s new bill would be the largest statutory increase to education funding in the state’s history. Governor Dunleavy’s new bill would also enact meaningful policy reforms concerning open enrollment, charter schools, school reporting standards, and cell phone use policy.
House Republican Caucus Leader Mia Costello (R-Anchorage) said, “We support our schools and we want to see a permanent increase to the BSA as well as better outcomes for students, families, and teachers. This new proposal gives us a strong foundation to build on.”
House Education Committee member, Representative Bill Elam (R-Nikiski) said, “Every student in Alaska deserves the chance to thrive. I’m encouraged to see a proposal that takes both investment and accountability seriously. We owe it to our kids to get this right.”
Representative Rebecca Schwanke (R-Copper River), who is also on the House Education Committee stated, “Alaska needs an education funding and policy bill. The Governor remains committed to this as well, and I thank him for remaining steadfast on this goal.” Rep. Schwanke continued, “The Majority must stop using the BSA as a talking point. It’s time to get serious and enact meaningful legislation for students, teachers, and families. The Governor has offered an excellent compromise with his new education package.”
“As a member of the House Finance Committee, I’m glad to see a bill that puts forward a real number—$560 is something we can work with,” said Representative DeLena Johnson (R-Palmer). “But just as important is the structure around it. We need to ensure our dollars are actually helping kids learn.”
“We’re seeing movement in the right direction,” said Representative Jubilee Underwood (R-Wasilla), a member of the House Education Committee. “There’s a lot in this forthcoming bill worth digging into. I’m looking forward to the committee process and getting feedback from families and educators across the state.”
House Republicans are hopeful that the work ahead will be collaborative, focused, and grounded in responsible funding of education coupled with outcomes that matter.