As we previously reported, Senator Mike Dunleavy pulled Senate Joint Resolution 9 from the Senate floor Wednesday, asking for more time.
SJR 9 would amend Alaska’s constitution to allow public money to be used for private or religious schools.
The bill was sent back to the Rules Committee, indicating the majority did not have the 14 votes necessary for passage.
Prior to the bill being pulled, Minority Leader Hollis French…
Sen. French: “All I know is that it’s their job to count votes, this is an extremely serious moment in the states history, that when you bring a measure to the floor that could fundamentally alter the way we handle public education one of our constitutional responsibilities, that’s a moment you approach with great seriousness. I know I do and I know my colleagues do.”
Although Majority Leaders had said they had the votes, Democrat Senator Berta Gardner of Anchorage said this before the bill was pulled.
Sen. Gardner: “They’ve assured people that they have the votes, leadership has, we don’t know that that’s true. Whatever happens somebody’s going to be surprised.”