by The Associated Press
Thursday, April 15, 2010
JUNEAU, Alaska -- Gov. Sean Parnell isn't ruling out a special legislative session to get his merit scholarship plan passed.
Spokeswoman Sharon Leighow says Parnell is "willing to do whatever it takes" to get it passed - including, possibly, calling a special session. She says options being floated by lawmakers aren't acceptable. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn Sunday.
The possibility of a special session was first reported Wednesday by the Anchorage Daily News.
Some lawmakers have problems with the cost of the plan, as well as with giving money to students whose parents may be able to afford sending them to college.
There's an effort to instead expand an existing program to help higher-performing students and plans to address students with financial needs. There's also talk of an interim education task force.
