Lawmakers to try to override Palin's veto of stimulus money

Legislative leaders sent a letter yesterday asking the Energy Secretary Steven Chu if he would hold open the application process for the stimulus money until legislators reconvene in January and could consider a veto override. Meantime, House Democrats sent a letter to Gov. Sarah Palin, informing her of their intent to override her veto.

The money quote from the Dems letter:

"The Democrats also believe the language of the federal stimulus statute is flexible enough to alleviate many of the governor's stated concerns, and to allow the state to apply the funds in ways that best benefit Alaskans. They are confident accepting the stimulus money will not require Alaska to significantly alter existing building codes, and that Alaskans will retain their full ability to determine our own course. The funds, say the Democrats, could be applied toward specific renewable energy projects, reducing the state's dependence on Outside influences, and could also be used to help make individual Alaskans' homes more efficient, reducing energy costs for families."

Click here to for the full text of the letter.

Money quote from the letter to Chu:

"(We) ask your understanding - and patience - while we resolve an internal disagreement over the funds."

This letter was signed by Senate President Gary Stevens, House Speaker Mike Chenault, Senate Finance Co-chairs Lyman Hoffman and Bert Stedman, House Finance Co-chairs Mike Hawker and Bill Stoltze, and House Minority Leader Beth Kerttula.