This past week, Governor Dunleavy’s veto of SB 140 was considered by a joint session of the legislature, with the final vote sustaining the Governor’s veto. I voted in support of SB140 when it came before me the first time on the House floor where it passed by a vote of 38-2. I voted again in support of SB 140 when considering the override of the Governor’s veto. SB 140 was a result of collaboration between both bodies of the legislature.
SB 140 was not a perfect bill but it did contain provisions to address our imperfect education system. Last year the legislature passed a one-time education funding measure. There has been further discussion on doing the same one-time funding again this session. Although this type of funding can help school districts in certain contexts, one-time funding does not allow them to plan for the future. Long-term changes in reading staff, teacher salaries, programs, and the base student allocation rely on fixed numbers, not a shifting one-time amount depending on what is left over in the budget.
SB 140 would have provided predictable funds and accountability for how those funds were used. We can all agree that throwing money at a problem does not produce structural changes. SB 140 stipulated that school districts would provide annual reports to the legislature detailing how much money was designated towards teacher salaries and classroom instruction.
This bill contained a section to protect and expand charter schools. Charter schools in Alaska are ranked #1 in the nation. SB 140 would have made the process of establishing charter schools a much smoother effort.
SB 140 also recognized the effects of inflation in recent years such as higher fuel costs. Provisions within SB 140 would have given predictable funding to ensure school buses run and bus drivers were paid.
Additionally, this bill contained provisions for children struggling with reading. By creating individual reading plans, SB 140 would go a long way in assisting our many Alaskan students who struggle with reading.
SB 140 would have given correspondence schools funding with more similarity to that of brick-and-mortar schools. This funding provision stemmed from HB 139, the bill I sponsored relating to correspondence study programs.
SB 140 was crafted, edited, and debated for over a month. The content of the bill was carefully designed to include provisions picked by both bodies of the legislature. The vast majority of the people I represent requested that I vote in favor of SB 140 both times on the House floor. I remain dedicated to serving my constituents and supporting education throughout Alaska.
You can reach my office by calling 907-465-2693 or emailing Rep.Justin.Ruffridge@akleg.gov.
