ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Legislature again failed to override budget vetoes by Gov. Mike Dunleavy as minority members of the Alaska House of Representatives and a handful of state senators were absent.
State lawmakers opposing vetoes say the budget cuts will cripple the University of Alaska and seriously damage the state economy.
About a third of the 60-member legislature was absent or excused on Thursday.
Senate Finance Committee Co-Chairman Bert Stedman called the missing lawmakers “dissidents.”
He said they’re ignoring their sworn duty and thwarting his right to argue in favour of an override affecting Ketchikan.
Sen. John Coghill directed an emotional floor speech toward his missing colleagues. He said the people of Alaska need their voices in budget deliberations.
The deadline for overturning vetoes is Friday night.
Dan Joling, The Associated Press
