Meeting in special session, Alaska lawmakers have overridden Governor Mike Dunleavy’s veto of more than $50 million in public school funding.

The 45–14 vote hit the exact threshold needed to override a budget veto, restoring what would have been a 5.6% cut to school districts and providing a modest funding boost.

In Juneau, the veto would have had the effect of a $1.4 million loss.

Lawmakers also overrode Dunleavy’s veto of Senate Bill 183, a measure requiring the Department of Revenue to share details of oil tax settlements with legislative auditors. 

The special session was originally called by the governor to press for education reform and create a statewide Department of Agriculture, two ideas lawmakers have already rejected.

Instead, legislative leaders focused solely on the veto overrides and adjourned until August 19.