Alaska Legislature Convenes Special Session on Education, Veto Overrides

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has called a special legislative session beginning August 2, 2025, to address key priorities including education reform and food security. While Dunleavy's agenda includes creating a new Department of Agriculture and several education policy proposals such as charter school authorization, recruitment bonuses for teachers, and open enrollment options, legislative leaders are primarily focused on overriding his vetoes, notably restoring over $50 million in public school funding and affirming legislative oversight of oil and gas tax revenues. Senate President Gary Stevens has urged lawmakers to fulfill their constitutional duties and attend the session despite the Governor reportedly asking some Republican members to boycott the initial days to block override votes. Dunleavy insists on focusing on solutions that deliver results for Alaskans and will be present in Juneau when the session begins. The session is expected to be brief, with override votes and potential passage of education policies that could take immediate effect to provide certainty before the school year starts. This political standoff highlights tensions between the Governor and the Legislature over educational funding and transparency in oil and gas revenue management.