Forrest Dunbar to Attend Special Session as Legislature Prepares for Education Funding Veto Override

Senator's Return to Legislature Sparks Hope for Veto Override

Senator Forrest Dunbar, a Democrat from Anchorage, has been deployed abroad as part of his duties in the Alaska Army National Guard. In a press release issued late Tuesday evening, he confirmed that he will return to Alaska for the special session of the legislature called by Governor Mike Dunleavy, a Republican.

“I plan to return to Alaska for the start of the Special Session, and I will be voting ‘yes’ to override,” Dunbar explained. “This is essential to ensure our students have the funds they need to avoid catastrophic cuts to their schools.”

The special session was called in early July, and there had been concerns about whether Dunbar would be able to attend due to his military commitments. The governor’s office, however, has not directly intervened in this matter.

“Senator Dunbar is serving in the National Guard, and the commander of the National Guard in Alaska is Gov. Dunleavy,” said Senator Bill Wielechowski, also a Democrat from Anchorage, earlier this month. “If he gives permission for him to fly back, then I would assume that he could fly back, and that would be great.”

When asked if Governor Dunleavy would compel Dunbar to attend the special session, the governor’s spokesperson, Jeff Turner, advised asking Dunbar directly about his plans. At the time, neither Dunbar nor his office responded to requests for comment.

In a prepared statement, Dunbar noted that he is currently mobilized with the Alaska Army National Guard, a fact he announced in May. He received an excused absence on the Floor of the Legislature for this reason. However, he emphasized that the legislature does not control the actions of the governor.

Dunbar mentioned that his commanding general granted his request to travel back to Juneau for the special session. His return is seen as a significant development, especially considering the concerns about attendance during the session.

Key Factors in the Veto Override Effort

Dunbar’s presence strengthens the majority lawmakers' position, which had raised concerns about attendance when the session was initially called. With his return, all 35 members of the majority appear ready to support the veto override.

However, the majority needs at least 45 lawmakers—comprising all 35 majority members plus at least 10 others—to override the line-item vetoes. This means they require 75% of the legislature’s total membership to achieve the necessary threshold.

Eleven minority lawmakers supported the initial veto override of the education funding bill. As of the latest update, at least three additional minority lawmakers have publicly announced their support for the override. These include:

• Senator Mike Cronk, R-Tok/Northway
• Senator James Kaufman, R-Anchorage
• Representative Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna

Ruffridge told Alaska’s News Source that he would be present at the special session and continue his support for education funding by voting in favor of the veto override.

This brings the current tally to 38 votes in favor of the veto override, assuming the entire majority votes in favor. This is still seven votes short of securing the override.

Alaska’s News Source has made multiple attempts to reach out to all members of the minority, but responses have been limited.

With the special session underway, the focus remains on securing enough votes to override the governor’s vetoes and ensure continued funding for Alaska’s schools. The outcome of this effort will have significant implications for education funding across the state.