Alaska governor threatens to veto education package that he says doesn’t go far enough

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy has threatened to veto an education package overwhelmingly passed by lawmakers after a bruising debate, saying it lacks provisions he favors, including a pilot program offering annual bonuses of up to $15,000 as a way to attract and keep teachers.

Dunleavy, a former educator, said this week that there is still time for lawmakers to address issues like the proposed bonuses and changes to the application process for charter schools aimed at promoting such schools. The governor has 15 days, excluding Sundays, to act on a bill sent to him if the Legislature is in session.

He can sign the bill, veto it or let it become law without his signature. A decision is expected by March 14.

Some key lawmakers say the package was a compromise and question whether the state can afford the bonuses — or even if they’d work.

<bsp-list-loadmore data-module="" class=«PageListStandardB» data-gtm-region=«READ MORE» data-gtm-topic=«No Value» data-show-loadmore=«true» data-gtm-modulestyle=«List B»> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> READ MORE </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Engrossed in education funding dispute, North Carolina revisits milestone 2022 ruling </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Illinois governor’s proposed $53B budget includes funds for migrants, quantum computing and schools </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> A high cost of living and lack of a pension strain teachers in Alaska. Would bonuses help keep them? </bsp-custom-headline> </bsp-list-loadmore>

Debate over education funding has dominated this legislative session. The House last week voted 38-2 to support a