On Wednesday, I proudly cast a vote to override the dangerous budget vetoes from Governor Dunleavy that threaten thousands of jobs and Alaska’s hard-fought economic recovery. Due to the intentional absence of many lawmakers, the vote to override the vetoes failed. While I am disappointed the Governor’s vetoes will stand, I am not giving up hope that through good-faith negotiations a deal can be reached to reverse many of the most dangerous cuts.

Governor Dunleavy is getting good at dropping bombs into Alaska’s politics. His proposed budget cutting $1.6 billion in essential state services was certainly a political bomb. The latest bomb got dropped on Friday when the Governor slashed up the hard-fought budget compromise with his red veto pen. The damage from this political bomb will be felt in every city and village in Alaska. Instead of working with the Alaska Legislature on a responsible budget that helps build a better Alaska, the Governor decided instead to embrace the political discord of the day and lay waste to institutions like the University of Alaska and the Senior Benefits Program through his veto power.