Full Press Release
News from the Alaska State Legislature, the Office of Senator Cronk
For Immediate Release: March 31, 2026
Senate Majority Caucus Attempts to Tip Balance of Power
Senator Mike Cronk
JUNEAU – Today the Alaska State Senate passed SJR 2, an act reducing the number of votes needed for a budget-related veto override, damaging the balance of power championed by the Alaska Constitution.
Currently, a three-quarter majority vote is required to override budget and tax vetoes by the governor. Senate Joint Resolution 2 would reduce the number of required votes to two-thirds of the Legislature.
Unlike other state legislatures – including Congress – the Alaska Constitution does not explicitly limit the power of the Legislature. As a result, our legislature is one of the most powerful and influential in the country with very few Constitutional checks and balances.
The Governor’s notorious “red pen” is one of the few tools the Executive Branch has to curb the State Legislature’s wide-reaching power.
According to Senate Minority Leader Mike Cronk (R – Tok / Northway), “The framers of our Constitution saw the wisdom in giving the governor considerable power to reduce state spending.” The Finance Committee member continued, “The fiscal override threshold is high for a reason.”
SJR 2 is a short-sighted and retaliatory push from the Democrat-lead Majority Caucus and is a transparent statement of their will to power.
Recently, Governor Mike Dunleavy (R – Alaska) rightfully vetoed tax increases, irresponsible fiscal measures, and questionable appropriations put forth by the Majority. This resolution is a transparent statement of the Majority’s will to power.
The Senate Republican Caucus will consistently uphold the balance of power enshrined in the Alaska State Constitution and within the values of our nation.
If SJR 2 is confirmed by the State House, it will appear on the 2026 ballot to be considered by voters.
Share on X 
Share on Facebook
News & Videos more >
SB 256, Authorizes Alaska to Join EMS Compact
The compact allows EMT’s and paramedics to work across state lines in participating states while maintaining state-based licensure and oversight.
SB 249, Protection from Crypto Scams, Passes Legislature
According to the FBI Annual Report, more than 600 seniors in Alaska were victims of fraud, with losses of $16.25 million. The same report concluded that cryptocurrency kiosks are the...
SB 9, Allowing "Baby Boxes," Passes the Legislature
In the past decade and a half, two abandoned babies have tragically died in Alaska. Baby boxes allow parents to anonymously and safely surrender an infant 21 days or younger....
Sound Money Legislation Heads to Governor’s Desk
Today the Alaska Senate passed House Bill 1, recognizing gold and silver coins or stamped bullion as legal tender in Alaska if acceptable to the both buyer and seller....
Senate Passes Consumer Bill of Rights for Crypto-Kiosks
SB 249 requires kiosks to display fraud warnings, acquire licenses, enact transactions limits, cap transaction fees and encourage law enforcement cooperation.
Local Boundary Commission Bill Passes
SB 63 by Senate Minority Leader Mike Cronk updates the rules and regulations of the Local Boundary Commission (LBC) increasing citizen representation.
Operating Budget Emphasizes Need for Sustainable Fiscal Plan
Today the Alaska State Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget in a vote of 16 to 4.
Senate Unanimously Passes Capital Budget
Today in a unanimous vote, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Budget out of the body and to the House for consideration. It is the smallest FY26 Capital Budget since the Covid...
Senate Votes for Bankrupting Pension Restart
Today the Alaska Senate passed HB 78 reinstating defined benefit pensions anticipated to cost Alaskans billions of dollars for decades into the future.
SB 230, Correcting Jonesville Boundary Passes the Senate
Today SB 230, correcting the boundary language for the Jonesville Public Use Area, passed the Senate in unanimous vote.