June 3, 2021

Special Session Continues

Today is the fifteenth day of the Alaska Legislature’s first special session. Lawmakers continue to meet on the FY22 Budget (HB 69) and discuss changes to management of the Alaska Permanent Fund (HJR 7). The special session runs until June 19 and we expect budget negotiations to continue during the next two weeks. Discussions about the Permanent Fund will likely be rolled over to the second special session in August.

The Budget Conference Committee has met five times so far, and has agreed on several small items in state agency budgets. The committee will determine the Legislature’s final funding level for the University of Alaska. While Governor Dunleavy recommended a $257 million unrestricted general funds (UGF) budget for UA, the Senate has proposed $267 million and the House proposed $273 million. The Senate’s Capital Budget also shows great support for our university, proposing $31.6 million in capital funding for UA deferred maintenance.

In addition to funding levels, the Governor and the House have endorsed a single appropriation for UA’s operating budget. This is an important detail. A single appropriation allows for more efficiency and flexibility to meet budget constraints. A single appropriation has allowed UA to react quickly to the needs of communities in delivering health care programs, mine training, and other high demand workforce training that would be cumbersome to deliver with multiple appropriations. From a management perspective, a single appropriation allows the BOR the ability to manage all funds, including transfers, in the most efficient way possible.

Your Government Relations Team remains actively engaged with lawmakers and their staff in Juneau, and we hope to have additional updates in the coming days.

 

May 21, 2021

Special Session Begins, UA Capital Projects Added to Budget

The first regular session of the 32nd Alaska Legislature adjourned Wednesday. House and Senate lawmakers worked late into the evening to conclude work on personal legislation, before immediately beginning a more limited special session.

Summer Special Sessions Begin

Last week, Governor Dunleavy issued a proclamation calling lawmakers into two separate special sessions this summer. Under Article 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Alaska, the Governor may call the Legislature into special session for a 30-day period. The first session began immediately after this week’s adjournment, and will focus on the FY22 Budget and changes to management of the Alaska Permanent Fund. The second special session will convene August 2 to discuss state spending and tax policy, as well as appropriation of federal COVID-19 relief funds. Calling a special session narrows the agenda to specific issues for lawmakers to consider. Legislation which did not pass this session, will be rolled over to the next regular session of the Legislature next January.   

UA Funding Added to Capital Budget

On Wednesday night the Senate passed the FY22 Operating and Capital Budget (HB 69). Senators made a strong show of support for the University of Alaska by adding $31.6 million in capital funding for UA deferred maintenance:

•         UAA Building Energy Performance Upgrades - $10.9 million
•         UAF Bartlett & Moore Hall Modernization - $18.65 million
•         UAS Juneau Campus Roof and Fuel Tank Replacements - $1 million
•         UAS Juneau Campus Safety Improvements and Compliance - $1 million

This is a substantial investment in our university! The Senate’s support is especially noteworthy given the fierce competition for capital funds in the Legislature this year. Thank you to Finance Co-Chairs Senators Click Bishop and Bert Stedman, as well as Senator Jesse Kiehl, and all Senators who support funding for our university. 

The Senate’s passage of the budget sets the stage for a conference committee with the House to finalize this year’s spending package. Your Government Relations Team will remain actively engaged, and strongly advocate for the House, and ultimately Governor Dunleavy, to support these important university projects.

Conference Committee Convenes

The FY22 Budget Conference Committee held its first organizational meeting on Thursday. The six-member committee consists of Representative Neal Foster from Nome, who will serve as chair, Senator Bert Stedman from Sitka, who will serve as vice-chair, Senator Click Bishop from Fairbanks, Representative Kelly Merrick from Eagle River, Senator Donnie Olson from Golovin and Representative Steve Thompson from Fairbanks.

The conference committee will be responsible for determining the Legislature’s final funding level for the University of Alaska. The Senate has proposed $267 million unrestricted general funds (UGF) while the House proposes $273 million. The Senate’s proposal also splits UA funding into two separate appropriations - $214.5 million for UAA, UAF and the System Office; and $52.5 million for UAS and community campuses. 

In addition to agency funding, the committee will tackle several large outstanding budget issues. These include the amount of the PFD, and language to ensure a reverse sweep for the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR), which is critical for APS/AEG scholarships and the WWAMI program. The committee will decide between the House and Senate versions of the budget, forming a compromise which will go back before each body for final passage.

Now that special session has convened and the conference committee is meeting, the Legislature is operating under the 24-hour rule. Legislative hearings can now be publicly noticed just 24-hours in advance. In practice, this means hearings only need to be noticed by 4 p.m. the day prior, even if they are scheduled to begin early in the morning. This rule helps speed up the process, but also creates a flurry of activity in the Capitol and things can change very rapidly. We anticipate the conference committee to convene again early next week.

TVEP Reauthorization Passes Legislature

The Legislature has passed legislation extending the Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP). The bill (HB 100) by Representative Adam Wool reauthorizes the current program and funding structure for three years. A letter of intent was added to the bill during the Senate’s consideration, which will enable lawmakers to thoroughly analyze the program before its next reauthorization. TVEP uses a portion of employee unemployment insurance contributions to fund high-demand career and technical education programs. It provides close to $5 million to UA each year and is vital for our workforce development programs.

The legislation was a top UA priority this session and its passage is worth celebrating! Thank you to Rep. Wool for championing this legislation and carrying it through the process. Thanks also to UA Associate Vice President for Workforce Development Teri Cothren and Ashley Carrick on Rep. Wool’s staff, for all their work and technical expertise helping shepherd the bill through the Legislature.

May 13, 2021

Operating Budget Heads to Senate, Permanent Fund Deal Proposed, UA Regents Confirmed

Today is the 115th day of the Legislative Session. Lawmakers and staff will be working through the upcoming weekend to try and complete their work by the constitutional regular session limit next Wednesday. The Operating Budget has been transmitted to the Senate and big decisions about the PFD and federal funding remain. We are also expecting action on legislation to expand Middle College programs and reauthorize the TVEP program. Your Government Relations Team is actively engaged in the Capitol. UA Interim President Pat Pitney and Vice President Michelle Rizk are also in Juneau working with legislators to advocate on behalf of our university.

Operating Budget Passes House

The House of Representatives has passed the FY22 Operating Budget. During a marathon floor session on Monday, lawmakers worked through dozens of amendments before approving the budget. The slim margin between the House Majority and Republican Minority caucuses made the floor debates lively, and led to both close votes and adoption of numerous minority amendments.

During the debate, Rep. Sarah Vance (R-Homer) introduced an amendment adding budget intent language regarding firearms on university campuses. The amendment failed by a vote of 19 to 20. You can watch the floor debate on the issue here. 

The Operating Budget has been transmitted to the Senate and referred to the Finance Committee. Things will be moving fast, and we expect the Senate to release its version of the budget as early as this afternoon. The budget will ultimately be finalized by a conference committee to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.

Parnell Appointed UAA Chancellor

UA Interim President Pat Pitney has announced the appointment of former Alaska Governor Sean Parnell to serve as Chancellor of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Parnell served as Alaska’s tenth Governor from 2009 to 2014. He previously served as Lieutenant Governor and represented Anchorage in the Legislature from 1992 to 2000.

Chancellor Parnell’s deep commitment to higher education is well known across our state. As governor, Parnell sponsored and implemented the Alaska Performance Scholarship program, providing financial aid to graduating Alaska high school students who meet academic criteria. In doing so, he worked with the Legislature to establish a $400 million endowment funding the scholarship, as well as needs-based grants to enhance higher education and job training opportunities in Alaska.

During his tenure as Governor, Parnell oversaw substantial investment in our university. This included construction of the Alaska Airlines Center, new facilities for engineering and health sciences, expansion of our community campuses, and robust funding to address UA deferred maintenance. He also signed legislation helping preserve Alaska Native Languages and advance UA’s educational mission. Welcome Chancellor!

Permanent Fund Compromise Proposed by Governor

Governor Dunleavy has announced a constitutional amendment regarding use and protections of the Alaska Permanent Fund. At a press conference yesterday, the Governor put forward a proposal to place both the PFD and the allowable use of the Permanent Fund for state government into the constitution. Annual dividends and funding state services would come from a 5% structured draw, the amount of which would be calculated through a 5-year average of the Permanent Fund’s value. This endowment model of management is frequently referred to as Percent of Market Value (POMV), and currently happens via Alaska Statute.

The package would also move $17 billion from the Permanent Fund Earnings Reserve Account into the corpus of the fund, making it off-limits for appropriation. The compromise provides for $3 billion from the earnings reserve to be transferred to the Constitutional Budget Reserve, where it can only be accessed by a three-quarters vote of each body of the Legislature. As part of the deal, the Power Cost Equalization program, which provides utility assistance to rural communities, would also be protected in the constitution and its endowments of $1.1 billion moved into the corpus of the Permanent Fund. The Governor’s office released some initial calculations forecasting what these changes could mean for the PFD amount, revenue available for state services, and PCE funding. You can find that information here.

While discussions about use of the Permanent Fund, the dividend, and related issues have circulated in the Capitol for several years – this proposal is a monumental policy call. Approval will require a two-thirds majority vote by each body of the Legislature, and we can expect this proposal to be hotly debated by lawmakers. Those discussions began Wednesday afternoon, with the Senate Judiciary Committee holding a hearing on the amendment (SJR 6), and advancing it to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. You can view the hearing here. If enacted by the Legislature, the proposed constitutional amendment would be put to voters at the general election in 2022.

UA Regents Confirmed by Legislature

On Tuesday the Legislature convened a joint session to consider Governor Dunleavy’s appointments to members of his cabinet and numerous state boards and commissions. The annual occurrence is called for in Article 3, Section 26 of the Constitution of the State of Alaska, which requires confirmation for the heads of state departments and most state boards.

The lengthy session confirmed three new members of the Governor’s cabinet, as well as more than 100 individuals serving on state boards. UA Regents Dale Anderson, Ralph Seekins and Scott Jepsen were approved with overwhelming support. Lawmakers did reject three of the Governor’s nominations to the Board of Fisheries, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees. The joint session ratified the Governor’s selection of Lucinda Mahoney (UAA ’07 MBA) to serve as Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Revenue. She becomes the fourth UA alumni to serve in Governor Dunleavy’s cabinet. You can watch the brief debate on the UA Board of Regents appointments here.

Did You Know?

Every day matters during the Legislative Session! The length of the Legislature’s regular sessions are set by the Constitution of the State of Alaska. Article II, Section 8 calls for lawmakers to adjourn no later than 120 consecutive calendar days from the date it convenes – unless extended by the Legislature or the Governor in an extended or special session. The specific length of session came under close scrutiny years ago during the 14th Alaska Legislature.

As lawmakers worked late into the evening May 12, 1986 (day 120), it became clear the Legislature would not finish its work on time. Right before proceedings spilled over into the early morning of May 13, both the House and Senate voted to stop the clock and back-dated the final bills as having been passed on May 12. A lawsuit was filed, Alaska Christian Bible Institute v. State of Alaska, seeking to invalidate this legislation as being improperly considered outside of a session of the Legislature (past 120 days). Superior Court Judge Shortell, and later the Alaska Supreme Court, ruled that the constitution stipulates a 120-day regular session from the day lawmakers convene – therefore the first day of session is not counted and the laws enacted were upheld. Thus, today the Alaska Legislature has a 120-day session which lasts for 121 days! 

May 7, 2021

Budget Work Continues, Middle College and Bond Legislation Advances

Today is the 109th day of the Legislative Session. Lawmakers have less than three weeks to complete their work and meet the constitutional 121-day limit for regular sessions of the Legislature.

Budget Discussions Continue

Legislators continued discussions on the budget this week, with the House seeking to find common ground in an effort to pass the FY22 Operating Budget. After floor debate on the appropriations bill stalled, the House sent the budget back to the House Rules Committee for additional negotiation and future rescheduling on the floor. In the meantime, the Senate Finance Committee has begun to reveal its proposed version of the budget and will be considering amendments proposed by committee members. The differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget will eventually be bridged via a conference committee. Big decisions still remain around the FY22 spending plan, including the Capital Budget, federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the PFD.

Bond Bank Legislation Passes House

The House passed legislation to expand financing options available to the University of Alaska. House Bill 127, sponsored by Representative Bart LeBon (R-Fairbanks), gives the university access to the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority’s strong credit ratings. This provides the opportunity to borrow or refinance debt obligations at lower interest rates, helping UA save money. The bill also raises the cap for UA bond financing. HB 127 has been transmitted to the Senate and we look forward to seeing this bill advance in the legislative process.

Middle College Expansion Bill Advances

The House Education Committee has advanced legislation to grow higher education dual-enrollment programs. Senate Bill 32 expands UA’s middle college programs to provide high school students the opportunity to take classes from the University of Alaska. These innovative programs enable students to earn both high school and college credit. UA currently operates voluntary middle college programs in partnership with schools in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai Peninsula College and Mat-Su. SB 32 will be heard in the House State Affairs Committee next Tuesday, May 11, at 3 p.m.

University Leadership Briefs Congressman Young 

Alaska Congressman Don Young visited the UAF campus on May 6 to meet with university leadership on a variety of federal issues. UA Interim President Pat Pitney and UAF Chancellor Dan White briefed the Congressman on ways to enhance forecasting and response to forest fires. 

Our university has taken a statewide leadership role when it comes to emergency services and preparedness. UAF’s Fire Science Program and their Summer Fire Academy, excels at training firefighters to serve federal, state and local agencies. The Congressman met university first-responders, and heard how federal investment can help improve firefighting capabilities across Alaska. Federal support can strengthen firefighting response, and provide the type of facilities needed to train professional first-responders. 

The meeting also included a discussion about the proposed Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center and Legacy Park, as well as the Kuskokwim Health Sciences Facility. Thank you to UAF Interim Vice Chancellor Rural Community & Native Education Charlene Stern for presenting the benefit these projects would bring to our university and all Alaska.

We appreciate Congressman Young coming to campus and his support for our university. His visit is an important step as we work to secure funding and legislative support for these vital aspects of our university’s mission. UA Leadership will continue the conversation with the Congressman, and Alaska Congressional Delegation, and about how federal funding and partnership with the University of Alaska can create new opportunities and solutions for our state.

 

May 4, 2021

House Passes TVEP Renewal, Debates Operating Budget

Today is the 106th day of the Legislative Session. Lawmakers are working against a deadline of May 19 to meet the constitutional 121-day limit for regular sessions of the Legislature. If this does not occur, there are three options by which lawmakers could conclude their work.

Alaska’s Constitution provides lawmakers an option to extend the session by up to 10 days through a two-thirds vote of each legislative body. Alternatively, with the support of two-thirds of the entire Legislature (40 of 60), lawmakers could simply adjourn the regular session and call themselves back into a 30-day special session. Finally, Governor Dunleavy could call the Legislature into a 30-day special session and limit the topics on the table for discussion.

With big decisions still remaining ––  the FY22 budget, federal relief funding, and the PFD –– the session is expected to go down to the wire and there is an accelerated pace around the Capitol.

Operating Budget On The House Floor

House legislators worked through the weekend in an attempt to pass the FY22 Operating and Mental Health Budgets –– HB 69 and HB 71. Debate began on Friday and continued into Saturday with consideration of amendments – 70 of which were proposed by members of the House Minority. 

The House remains closely divided as a body, which has complicated passage of the budget. The 21-member majority caucus is comprised of 15 Democrats, two Republicans and four independents. On the opposite side is an 18-member Republican minority caucus. Representative Sara Rasmussen (R-Anchorage) serves on the House Finance Committee but has not joined either caucus. These slim margins mean that legislators on both sides of the aisle are potential swing votes. This was evident by passage of several budget amendments offered by the minority on Saturday.

On Sunday, a procedural motion to continue consideration of amendments failed by a vote of 20-20. This effectively closed off debate and ended consideration of dozens of proposed amendments, sparking concern among several members, and ultimately raising questions of whether House leadership had the votes to pass the budget. As a procedural move, the budget was sent back to the House Rules Committee to allow for additional negotiation and future rescheduling on the floor. Once the House passes the budget, the Senate will make changes to reflect its position. The bill will eventually be finalized by a conference committee to reconcile the differences.

While occasional and unforeseen delays are common at this stage of the legislative process, the bare minimum majority existing in the House certainly complicates finalizing the FY22 spending plan. Contentious issues such as the size of this year’s PFD and the appropriation of more than $1 billion in federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act, remain unresolved.

UA Senate Subcommittee Closeout

Senate Operating Budget Subcommittees are closing out their work and consideration of agency budgets. The university’s subcommittee recommended $267 million in unrestricted general funds (UGF). This constitutes a $10 million, rather than $20 million, drop from current year levels, and $60 million below FY19. The subcommittee has proposed adding $10 million to the university’s base operating budget and splitting UA’s funding into two separate appropriations - $214.5 million for UAA, UAF and the System Office; and $52.5 million for UAS and our community campuses. Thank you to Subcommittee Chair Senator Lyman Hoffman and Finance Co-Chair Senator Bert Stedman for their support. You can view the subcommittee closeout report here.

Governor Signs Emergency Declaration Bill, Ends Emergency Order

Last week Governor Dunleavy signed legislation that retroactively extended the State of Alaska’s COVID-19 emergency declaration. This issue has been hotly debated by lawmakers during the past several weeks. The legislation was needed to ensure Alaska remained eligible for federal funding, such as food assistance benefits for low-income Alaskans, which can only be received under an emergency declaration. Immediately after signing the legislation, House Bill 76, Governor Dunleavy issued a declaration calling an end to the pandemic emergency. Subsequently, the Alaska Department of Health & Social Services issued a more limited order preserving the state’s eligibility and basic safeguards.

TVEP Passes House, Heard in Senate Finance

Last Wednesday, the House passed legislation that helps sustain UA’s workforce development programs. House Bill 100 reauthorizes the Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP) for three years. This program brings in more than $5 million to UA each year for career and technical education programs. The bill received broad support in passing the House 36-4, and has already received quick consideration by the Senate Finance Committee. Thank you to Representative Adam Wool for sponsoring this legislation and helping champion continued workforce development. You can view the House Floor debate here, and the Senate Finance Committee hearing here.

Senator Sullivan Visits Capitol

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan was in Juneau this week to provide an address to a joint session of the Legislature. His speech highlighted opportunities in the Arctic and putting Alaska’s best minds to work in the area of research. The Senator discussed expanding the Coast Guard’s capabilities in Alaska, and the recent accomplishment of having the NOAA research ship Fairweather home-ported in Alaska. He touted Alaska as central to national energy policy, with a specific nod to microgrid research. The address also paid tribute to former legislator and UA regent Hugh “Bud” Fate. You can view the Senator’s speech here.

Teacher Report Presented to Senate

Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee heard a presentation on the University of Alaska’s work in the area of teacher recruitment, training and retention. UA Vice President Paul Layer and Executive Dean Steve Atwater presented the biannual report to Senators detailing how our university’s works to grow the ranks of K-12 educators in Alaska. The hearing provided a great discussion about the challenges in recruiting and retaining educators, and the millions it costs school districts annually. You can view the hearing here.

April 23, 2021

Federal COVID-19 Funding, UA Land Grant Support Unanimous

Today is the 95th day of the Legislative Session. While Sunday marked the statutory deadline for the Legislature to conclude its business, it has been clear for weeks that more time is needed and that session would not be done in 90 days. The Constitution of the State of Alaska limits legislative sessions to 121 days. Legislators now have until May 19 to pass a budget and finish their work without calling a special session. 

Federal Spending Proposal Introduced

Governor Dunleavy has released his proposal to the Legislature regarding appropriation of the $1.5 billion coming to the State of Alaska as part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Last year’s truncated session due to COVID-19 saw the Legislature give the administration a large degree of flexibility in how to spend funding from the CARES Act and other federal response measures. Lawmakers will have a much more active role this time around, and are expected to put their own stamp on how funding will be directed to specific recipients and programs.

Nearly one-third of the federal funding coming to the state is already slated for specific programs. This includes an estimated $40 million for the University of Alaska System, split between covering costs borne by universities during the pandemic and relief grants going directly to students. The Governor’s proposal outlines several potential uses for the remaining funding, including revitalizing Alaska’s tourism industry, aid to small businesses, infrastructure investments, emergency response funding, and existing government services. The details of these appropriations will be filled in by the Legislature in the coming weeks. Lawmakers are also awaiting guidance documents from the U.S. Department of Treasury in May, which will help inform how federal funds may be spent. You can read the Governor’s proposal here, which will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee Monday, April 26, at 9:00 a.m.

Unanimous Support for UA Land Grant

The Alaska Legislature has unanimously passed a measure calling for resolving UA’s land grant deficit. On Monday, the House passed Senate Joint Resolution 8 which urges a joint federal and state solution to create a permanent land endowment for our university. Thank you to Senator Gary Stevens for sponsoring the resolution, Representative Grier Hopkins for carrying the measure on the floor, and all legislators for their support in solving this 100-year-old problem. You can watch the floor debate here.

TVEP Bill Advances

The House Finance Committee has passed legislation that will help sustain UA’s workforce development programs. House Bill 100 reauthorizes the Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP), which brings in more than $5 million to UA each year. Thank you to UA alumni, staff, faculty and industry partners for participating in the hearings to support the legislation. The bill now goes to the House Rules Committee for scheduling on the House Floor.

Hearings of Interest

In addition to the House and Senate Finance Committees’ hearings on the FY22 spending plan, here are some hearings we will be monitoring and engaged in next week:

Monday, April 26
8:00 a.m. – House Finance Committee
HB 127 – Muni Bond Bank, UA Loan Bond Limits

8:00 a.m. – House Education Committee
SB 21 – Faculty Regent
HB 164 – Early Education & Literacy Programs

9:00 a.m. – Senate Education Committee
Presentation: “Projecting Alaska’s Educational Needs”

Tuesday, April 27
9:00 a.m. – Senate Finance Committee
SB 10 – Essential Worker Scholarship

Wednesday, April 28
3:15 p.m. – House Labor & Commerce Committee
“A Resolution on Infrastructure and Broadband”
(Pending Introduction and Referral)

April 16, 2021

Career Tech Focus and Land Grant Progress

Today is the 88th day of the Legislative Session. The pace is beginning to accelerate in the State Capitol as legislators consider a variety of bills and budget items. Discussions are continuing on extending the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, and the use of federal relief funds coming to the state. Your Government Relations Team is actively engaged with lawmakers in both Juneau and Washington D.C. on behalf of our university.

Career Tech Focus in Finance Committees
Workforce development was front and center as a topic of discussion in the Capitol this week. On Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee heard presentations about how the University of Alaska and state agencies are advancing career and technical education in our state. UA Interim President Pat Pitney and Associate Vice President Teri Cothren addressed committee members to discuss how our university is providing job training and empowering Alaskans for new careers through upskilling and reskilling. You can view the presentation here. The House Finance Committee also heard legislation that will help sustain UA’s workforce development programs. House Bill 100  reauthorizes the Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP), which brings in more than $5 million to UA each year. Thank you to UA alumni, staff, faculty and industry partners for participating in the hearings to demonstrate support for the legislation. We expect the committee to act on HB 100 next week.

Federal Land Grant Bill Introduced
Alaska’s Congressional Delegation introduced federal legislation to fulfill UA’s land grant. The University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act will help endow UA with sufficient lands to generate revenues that will help support its students and operations. Currently UA has one of the smallest land endowments of any major public institution of higher education. The legislation will help resolve this longstanding issue through a state and federal program partnership, bestowing land from the State of Alaska’s outstanding statehood lands entitlement. Thank you to Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan and Congressman Don Young for introducing this legislation. We look forward to working with our Alaska delegation to advance this issue in both Congress and the State Capitol.

Education Bills on the Move
Things move fast in the latter half of the legislative session. In addition to the House Finance Committee’s work on the budget there are numerous committee hearings and bills we will be monitoring this week.

Monday, April 19
8:00 a.m. – House Education Committee
SB 32 – Middle College
HB 132 – School Apprenticeship; Tax Credits 
 
9:00 a.m. – Senate Education Committee
SB 94 – Education & Supplemental Loan Programs
 
9:00 a.m. – Senate Finance Committee
SB 55 – Employer Contribution to PERS
 
3:15 p.m. – House Labor & Commerce
HB 75 – Employer Contribution to PERS
 
Tuesday, April 20
9:00 a.m. – House Finance Committee
HB 100 – TVEP Reauthorization
 
9:00 a.m. – Senate Finance Committee
SB 10 – Essential Worker Scholarship
 
3:00 p.m. – House Health & Social Services Committee
HB 133 – AK Ed Savings Program Eligibility
 
Wednesday, April 21
8:00 a.m. – House Education Committee
Regent Jepsen Confirmation Hearing
 
Thursday, April 22
11:00 a.m. – House Arctic Policy, Econ, Tourism Committee
Presentation – Sanitation in Rural Alaska
Featuring Dr. Aaron Dotson, UAA
 
11:30 a.m. – House Ways & Means Committee
Presentation – Economic Impact of Fiscal Solutions
Featuring UAA ISER
 
3:00 p.m. – House Health & Social Services Committee
HB 133 – AK Ed Savings Program Eligibility
 
Friday, April 23
8:00 a.m. – House Education Committee
HB 114 – Education & Supplemental Loan Programs

April 9, 2021

Regent Confirmations and bills on the move

Today is the 81st day of the Legislative Session. Lawmakers are holding hearings and public testimony on the FY22 budget, including a spending plan for potential federal funds coming to the state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic response.

Thank you to everyone who submitted public testimony to the House Finance Committee during their deliberations this week. Your voice is an essential part of the public process and building support for our university. Special thanks also to Tom Brice and everyone from UA’s Alumni Associations for participating in public testimony for UA issues!

Senate Passes UA Legislation
The Senate has unanimously passed two bills related to the University of Alaska. Senate Bill 32 expands UA’s existing middle college programs to every school district in Alaska. Senate Bill 36 establishes a bi-annual reporting requirement of the Board of Regents for program and institutional accreditation. Both bills have been referred to the House Education Committee. You can watch the Senate floor debate here.

UA Busy in Committee Hearings
University staff were active in the Capitol this week taking part in several legislative committee hearings. Mark Billingsley of UAF Center ICE presented to house lawmakers about the university’s efforts to commercialize research and intellectual property into start-up business. The House Resources Committee heard a presentation on Senate Joint Resolution 8 in support of fulfilling the UA Land Endowment. On Thursday, Teri Cothren, Associate Vice President of Workforce Development, briefed the Senate Finance Committee about how UA can provide job training to re-skill and up-skill Alaskan workers in support of Senate Bill 10. Thank you to all our staff and faculty who help showcase our university to policymakers.

Career Tech Legislation on the Move
The House Finance Committee has scheduled two hearings next week on legislation that will help sustain UA’s workforce development programs. House Bill 100 by Representative Adam Wool reauthorizes the Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP). The program uses a portion of employee unemployment insurance contributions to fund high-demand career and technical education programs. It brings in more than $5 million to UA each year, but is scheduled to sunset at the end of this fiscal year. Thank you to UA alumni, staff, faculty and industry partners who continue voice their support for the legislation. HB 100 will be heard on Wednesday, April 14, at 9 a.m. for a presentation of the bill. The committee will then bring it up again on Friday, April 16 at 9 a.m. for public testimony.

University Board of Regents Confirmation Hearing
Scott Jepsen appeared before the Senate Education committee today for his confirmation hearing to join the UA Board of Regents. Senators asked about his vision for the UA System, as well as their background in higher education and public service. Jepsen will have a further confirmation hearing in the House before his nomination, along with Ralph Seekins and Dale Anderson, is forwarded to a joint session of the Legislature later this session. You can view the hearing here.

March 26, 2021

Subcommittee closeout, UA land grant action and a new Regent 

Today is the 67th day of the Legislative Session, and wraps up another busy week in the Capitol for the University of Alaska, including budgetary discussions and a new appointment to the Board of Regents.

House Budget Subcommittee Closes Out 

The House Finance UA Budget Subcommittee concluded its work this afternoon. The subcommittee recommended a spending plan consistent with the 3-year budget compact of $257 million unrestricted general funds (UGF). This constitutes $20 million below current year levels, and $70 million below FY19. The subcommittee also added $15.7 million in relief funding to help cover losses UA has sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to Representative Adam Wool and subcommittee members for this strong vote of confidence in our university.

Unanimous Senate Support for UA Land Grant

On Monday, the Senate showed strong support for resolving UA’s land grant deficit by unanimously passing Senate Joint Resolution 8. The resolution by Senator Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak), urges a joint federal and state solution to create a permanent land endowment for our university. We appreciate the Senate’s support for solving this 100-year-old problem, and look forward to having the resolution brought up in the House Resources Committee this session.

Jepsen Appointed as Regent, Confirmations Continue

Governor Dunleavy has appointed Scott Jepsen of Anchorage to the UA Board of Regents. Jepsen is a former  oil and gas industry executive  with ConocoPhillips Alaska, and served on the UA Foundation Board of Directors for nine years. Next Wednesday at 8 a.m., the Governor’s other BOR appointees, Ralph Seekins and Dale Anderson, will appear before the House Education Committee for their second confirmation hearings.

Senate Finance Reviews UA Legislation

The Senate Finance Committee has been busy considering two bills related to the university. Senate Bill 32 expands UA’s existing middle college programs to every school district in Alaska. Senate Bill 36 establishes a bi-annual reporting requirement of the Board of Regents for program and institutional accreditation.. The bills were heard by the committee on Monday, and will be back before the committee on Monday, March 29 at 9 a.m.

Transportation Committee Advances Bond Package

The Senate Transportation Committee passed the General Obligation Infrastructure Bond package (SB 74) out of committee on Tuesday. Senators adopted a committee substitute and smaller version of the bill from Governor Dunleavy’s original proposal. The package would issue bonds for $303 million in infrastructure spending, including $29 million for targeted maintenance projects for  university facilities. The House Finance Committee will hold a hearing on the House companion bill of the Governor’s proposal, HB 93, on Tuesday March 30th at 1:30 p.m. 

Passing of an Alaskan Leader

Former lawmaker Gail Phillips passed away this week. Phillips represented Homer in the House for a decade, including serving two terms as speaker from 1995-1998. She was known for her tremendous energy, and her outspokenness in standing up for the rights of all people. Her lifetime of service began in her youth as a student leader at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She would later also serve as a member of the University of Alaska College of Fellows, as well as the chair of the Kenai Peninsula College Council. Phillips served on the Homer City Council and Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. She also gave freely of her time as an active volunteer with the Iditarod, a member of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council, and chaired the Alaska 50th Anniversary Celebration Commission. She was elected to the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame, and UAF recognized her as a distinguished alumnus in 2013. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Did You Know?

Along with classic works by Machetanz and Laurence, student art has been a highlight in the Capitol Building since 1988. The Legislature frequently displays artwork from K-12 students across Alaska, showcasing students’ varied techniques and diverse experiences. 

March 19, 2021

Subcommittee Action, Budget Testimony and Bills on the Move

Today is the 60th day of the Legislative Session, and wraps up two very busy weeks in the Capitol for the University of Alaska.

Budget Process Continues in House and Senate

Lawmakers are continuing their review and consideration of FY22 appropriation bills. Throughout the week, the Senate Finance Committee held statewide public testimony on the Capital and Operating budgets. Thank you to all the UA alumni, students, staff and faculty who called in to voice their support for university funding. 

Earlier today, the House Finance UA Budget Subcommittee convened to take action on the Governor’s proposed budget, as well as amendments from legislators. The subcommittee, chaired by Representative Adam Wool (D-Fairbanks), adopted an amendment adding $15.7 million in unrestricted general funds to UA’s FY22 Operating Budget by a vote of 6-5. This additional funding will be further discussed by the full House Finance Committee during the next two weeks as subcommittees finalize their agency budget recommendations. Thank you to Representative Wool and subcommittee members for this strong vote of confidence in our university. You can view the hearing here.

This show of support by the subcommittee comes on top of last Friday’s hearing on university research and UA’s community campus system. Thank you to Dr. Bradley Moran of UAF CFOS, Dr. Hajo Eicken and Dr. Nettie Labelle-Hamer of UAF Geophysical Institute, Dr. Charlene Stern of UAF CRCD, and Director Jacelyn Keys of UAA Kodiak College for a great set of presentations. You can view the hearing here.

House Committee Advances Career Tech Legislation

The House Labor & Commerce Committee has advanced legislation that will help sustain UA’s workforce development programs. House Bill 100 by Representative Adam Wool reauthorizes the Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP). Associate Vice President for Workforce Development, Teri Cothren, provided in-depth testimony in support of the bill and its benefits for UA. Thank you also to UA alumni, staff, faculty and industry partners who called in to voice their support for the legislation. HB 100 will be heard next in the House Finance Committee.

Transportation Committee Debates General Obligation Bond Package

Next Tuesday, the Senate Transportation Committee will continue debating amendments to Governor Dunleavy’s G.O. Infrastructure Bond package (SB 74). The proposal includes $29 million for targeted maintenance projects at university facilities. However, Senator Mike Shower (R-Wasilla) has proposed an amendment removing the UAA portion of the bond package. This amendment will be debated in committee next week. Thank you to Christopher McConnell, Kim Mahoney and all UA facilities staff for their continued work advocating and informing senators on these important projects.

Senate Education Forwards UA Legislation

On Wednesday, the Senate Education Committee advanced two bills related to the university. Senate Bill 32 expands UA’s existing middle college programs to every school district in Alaska. Middle colleges provide high school students the opportunity to take university classes, earning both high school and college credit. Senate Bill 36 establishes a bi-annual reporting requirement for program and institutional accreditation in the UA System. The bills have been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee on Monday, March 22 at 9:00 a.m. During Wednesday’s meeting, the committee heard a presentation by Teri Cothren, Associate Vice President for Workforce Development, in support of Senate Bill 10 on reskilling and upskilling Alaskan workers.

Alaska Aerospace Day at the Capitol

University researchers were featured front and center this week in the Capitol. At the invitation of Lt. Governor Kevin Meyer, UAF participated in Alaska Aerospace Day. Dr. Bob McCoy, Director of the Geophysical Institute, and Dr. Cathy Cahill, Director of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aerial Systems Integration (ACUASI), gave detailed briefings to the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee. Their presentations followed special introductions by Lt. Governor Meyer emphasizing the value of university research, and showcased the work of ACUASI and the Poker Flat Research Range. You can view the presentations here.

Land Grant Resolutions Moves Forward

The Senate Resources Committee advanced Senate Joint Resolution 8 on Monday calling for a solution to UA's land grant deficit. The resolution by Senator Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak), seeks a joint federal and state solution to create a permanent land endowment for our university. Although UA is a land grant institution, it has not received its full land entitlement and is due approximately 360,000 acres. Resolving this issue is vital to sustaining the university for years into the future. We appreciate lawmakers’ willingness to bring awareness to this 100-year old problem, and look forward to working with them to move this resolution through the legislature.

March 5, 2021

Budget Hearings, G.O. Bond and bills of interest 

Today is the 46th day of the Legislative session. While Thursday marked the mid-point of the regular session, a great deal of work lies ahead for lawmakers. Alaska Statute calls for a 90-day regular legislative session, but the Constitution of the State of Alaska provides for a 120-day session. Lawmakers have often fallen back on the 120-day session for completing their work.

University House Budget Subcommittee Convenes

UA Interim President Pat Pitney presented to the university’s House Finance Subcommittee today. Lawmakers convened as a committee of the whole chaired by Representative Adam Wool (D-Fairbanks) to hear an overview of UA’s FY 22 Operating Budget. The President briefed lawmakers on UA’s strategic goals and legislative priorities, and talked about the important role the university has in the state’s economy. Consideration of the Operating Budget will continue for the next several weeks as the subcommittee process continues. Next Friday, March 12, the subcommittee will hear a presentation on university research, as well as information about UA’s community campus system. You can view the House Finance Subcommittee hearing here.

G.O. Bond Hearings

Next week, the Senate Transportation Committee will continue its review of Governor Dunleavy’s G.O. Infrastructure Bond package (SB 74). If enacted by the Legislature and approved by voters following the 2021 legislative session, more than $356 million in bonds would be issued to improve transportation, education, recreation, and communications systems throughout the state. SB 74 includes $29 million for targeted maintenance projects at university facilities. Thank you to Cameron Wohlford, Christopher McConnell and Nathan Leigh for their continued work to help senators understand these important and needed improvements.

Senate Education to Hear UA-Related Bills

Next Monday, the Senate Education Committee will hear two bills of interest to the University of Alaska. Senate Bill 32 expands UA’s existing middle college programs to every school district in Alaska. Middle colleges provide high school students the opportunity to take classes from the University of Alaska, earning both high school and college credit. UA currently operates voluntary middle college programs in partnership with schools in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai Peninsula College and Mat-Su. The committee also will hear Senate Bill 36, which establishes a reporting requirement on the subject of UA systemwide accreditation in state law, and calls for the university to present reports to the legislature semi-annually.

Passing of Alaska Leaders

Alaska lost three respected leaders this week with the passing of Mike Bradner, Pat Carney and John Sackett, all of whom served in the Legislature.

Mike Bradner represented Fairbanks in the House for a decade, including serving a term as speaker. His tenure in the Legislature included highlights such as creation of the Alaska Permanent Fund, municipal revenue sharing, and the state’s petroleum tax. An alumnus of the University of Alaska, Bradner was a journalist for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. After retiring from elected office, he became a Capitol fixture as author of the subscription newsletter Legislative Digest and Alaska Economic Report with his brother Tim Bradner. The two also hosted interviews with legislators and policymakers on Gavel Alaska’s program Capitol Views. His outgoing presence in the Capitol will be missed.

Pat Carney served in the Legislature in the early 80’s and 90’s representing the Mat-Su Valley. A dairy farmer and UA alumnus, he was well respected in the Capitol and known for having a great deal of integrity and a lot of class.

John Sackett’s lifetime of service to Alaska spanned decades. At age 21 in 1966, Sackett became the youngest person ever elected to the Alaska Legislature. He spent 18 of the next 20 years representing rural Alaska in the Capitol in both the House and Senate. Sackett also was the youngest person elected President of the Tanana Chiefs Conference. As a UAF student, Sackett recalled a day when he skipped a class and went to listen to a discussion about the land claims issue. His advocacy and leadership helped further passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. He was the founding president of Doyon Ltd, and served on the UA Board of Regents. The university presented Sackett with an honorary doctorate in 2013, and Sackett Hall at UAF’s Kuskokwim Campus is named to celebrate his legacy. 

Did You Know?

Alaska’s Capitol Building does not have a dome like many traditional state capitols. When constructed in 1931 it served as the territorial federal building for Alaska, housing courtrooms, a post office, and a museum. Twenty eight years later, the building was gifted to the new State of Alaska and it has served as the seat of state government ever since.

February 26, 2021

Budget Hearings and Regent Confirmations 

Today is the 39th day of the legislative session. Work in the State Capitol hit a speed bump late Wednesday afternoon, with the announcement that Representative Mike Cronk (R-Tok) had tested positive for COVID-19. The House subsequently suspended all proceedings until next week. Governor Dunleavy’s office announced that he also has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating at his home in Mat-Su.

Rep. Cronk’s case marks the first positive COVID case in the Capitol since lawmakers convened in January. The Legislature has established strict access rules whereby Legislators and staff must undergo COVID-19 testing twice a week, as well as temperature screenings upon entering the Capitol. Your UA Government Relations Team also follows this protocol. We wish the Governor and Rep. Cronk a quick and full recovery.

Committees Work Continues, House Announces Budget Subcommittees

The House and Senate Finance Committees were busy this week wading into the challenging fiscal issues facing lawmakers. Committee members in the House began with overviews on state revenue and oil production, as well analysis of the Governor’s FY22 Budget. The House has announced that UA’s Operating Budget Subcommittee will be a committee of the whole chaired by Representative Adam Wool (D-Fairbanks). The subcommittee will hold an overview on the university’s budget on Friday, March 5  at 1:30 p.m.

The Senate Finance Committee continued its work by taking a deep-dive review on school construction and statewide deferred maintenance. On Tuesday, State Relations Director Chad Hutchison, along with facilities staff from all three universities, participated in a hearing featuring an in-depth discussion on the UA System’s facility maintenance needs. The university currently has a backlog of more than $1.3 billion in deferred maintenance systemwide. The UA Board of Regents has requested $50 million in funding in the FY22 Capital Budget to help address the backlog. Senators were keen to hear details of the university’s Capital Budget request, and asked several questions about UA facility needs. Thank you to Cameron Wohlford, Christopher McConnell and Nathan Leigh for helping brief senators on this important issue. You can view the Senate Finance Committee hearing here.

Next Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., the Senate Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on Governor Dunleavy’s G.O. Infrastructure Bond package (SB 74). The proposal includes $29 million for targeted maintenance projects at university facilities.

President Pitney Delivers State of University Address

UA Interim President Pitney presented the annual State of the University address on Wednesday, Feb. 24. The speech was delivered as part of the Commonwealth North speaker series, and was broadcast in the Capitol via the Gavel-to-Gavel network. In her address, President Pitney shared her vision for higher education in Alaska and the UA System’s journey during the past year. She highlighted success stories across the UA System, and the many ways the university supports the state's economy. The president said state funding is key to creating stability and building confidence among students. She called on all Alaskans to support higher education and the university, The address also detailed recent UA enrollment numbers, the upcoming launch of the university’s philanthropic campaign, efforts to fulfill UA’s land grant, and the critical role university research plays in moving Alaska forward. You can view the speech here.

Representative David Nelson Visits UAS campus

The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) welcomed Representative David Nelson (R-Anchorage) to campus on Tuesday for a familiarization tour. The representative is an alumnus of our university (UAA ’18), and expressed an interest in visiting UAS after meeting with President Pat Pitney. The tour highlighted UAS’ partnerships with the Alaska National Guard at the Gamble-Sperl Joint Use Facility, which serves as Juneau’s armory and the campus rec center. Rep. Nelson met students participating in a U.S. Coast Guard pre-commissioning scholarship program, which provides UAS students financial aid and a fast-track to service in USCG. The tour also featured a discussion about UAS business partnerships, as well as a visit to the Egan Library and the fisheries labs. Engaging with legislators is very important. Showcasing our campuses and students is a great way to grow support for our university amongst policymakers. Thank you to Chancellor Karen Carey, Brittni Wisner, Deborah Rydman, and the team at UAS for organizing a great campus visit.

University Board of Regents Confirmation Hearings

UA Regents Ralph Seekins and Dale Anderson appeared before the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 24 for their confirmation hearings. Senators asked the regents about their vision for the UA System, as well as their background in higher education and public service. Both regents will have a further confirmation hearing before the House Education Committee before their nominations are forwarded to a joint session of the Legislature later this session. You can view the hearing here.

Passing of Two Alaska Leaders

Alaska lost two venerable leaders this week with the passing of Hugh “Bud” Fate and Katie Hurley.

Fate, a former legislator and UA Regent, is remembered for numerous contributions and service to the people of Alaska. His life and career took Fate from Alaska’s north slope, to surveying the ALCAN Highway during service in the U.S. Army, and to the halls of the State Capitol. His commitment to public service was shared with his wife of more than 65 years, Mary Jane Fate. A longtime Fairbanks resident, he provided health care to Interior villages as both a dentist and bush pilot. Fate served as chair of the UA Board of Regents and as a trustee of the UA Foundation. He was president of Alaska Dental Association, and served on the State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Local Boundary Commission. Fate received an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of Alaska in 1988. You can see a tribute to Fate by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan here.

Katie Hurley’s civic commitment to Alaska spanned more than  half a century. A devoted public servant, she was at the forefront during Alaska’s formative Territorial and Statehood era. She worked as an assistant to Territorial Governor Ernest Gruening, Chief Clerk to Alaska Constitutional Convention, as well as Secretary of both the Territorial and State Senate. Alaskans elected her to the Legislature (1985-87), and she would later serve as chair of the State Board of Education and executive director of the Alaska Women’s Commission.

Our thoughts and prayers are with both families.

Did You Know?

The Legislature offers a program allowing you to receive updates on legislation via text. For current information on the status of a bill or resolution, text the bill number to 1-555-245-2529. A status update will be sent to your mobile device courtesy of the Legislative Information Office.

February 19, 2021

House Organizes and Gets to Work

It has been an eventful week in the State Capitol. The House of Representatives organized, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski visited with lawmakers and press, Chief Justice Bolger delivered his State of the Judiciary Address, and the Senate Finance Committee finished its review of UA’s operating budget. In case you missed it, be sure to also give a listen to UA Interim President Pat Pitney’s recent podcast with blogger Jeff Landfield.

House Organizes Caucuses and Committees

After 31 days into the 90-day legislative session, the organizational logjam in the Alaska House of Representatives has broken -- at least for now. On Thursday, the House finalized its leadership and committee organization and publicly noticed hearings to begin work next week. While Rep. Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) was elected as Speaker on Feb. 11, full organization came together slowly through behind the scenes negotiations by lawmakers. Finally, a 20-member caucus of Democrats and Republicans emerged and was able to secure the necessary votes to organize Representatives’ positions in the House.

The coalition was made possible by Rep. Kelly Merrick (R-Eagle River), who voted for Rep. Stutes as Speaker and will take a leadership role chairing the Capital Budget and legislation for the House Finance Committee. Rep. Sara Rasmussen (R-Anchorage) also voted to approve the slate of committee assignments, but has announced that she will not be joining either the Democrat-led majority nor the Republican minority caucus. As a swing vote, Rep. Rasmussen will also serve on the Finance Committee. In addition to Reps. Stutes and Merrick, other House leadership assignments include:

• Rep. Bryce Edgmon (I-Dillingham) – Rules Chair

• Rep. Neal Foster (D-Nome) – Finance Co-Chair, Operating Budget

• Rep. Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage) – Majority Leader

• Rep. Matt Claman (D-Anchorage) – Majority Whip

House organization was further complicated during the week by dissent from Rep. Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage), who has not committed to join the Democratic caucus. The current status leaves the House with a majority caucus of 20-members, an 18-member Republican minority, and two legislators not committed to either partisan caucus. Such narrow margins will make committee work and floor votes hotly contested throughout the session.

UA Senate Subcommittee Concludes its Work

The Senate Finance Committee concluded its review of UA’s FY22 Operating Budget this week. UA Interim President Pat Pitney presented to the committee, convened as a subcommittee of the whole, to brief lawmakers on UA’s strategic goals, legislative priorities, and the important role the university has in the state’s economy.

During the hearing, Co-Chair Senator Bert Stedman complimented President Pitney on her presentation, and applauded the University of Alaska for leading by example and making tough decisions in the face of difficult budget cuts. UA’s operating budget is set at $257 million unrestricted general funds (UGF), $20 million below current year levels, and $70 million below FY19. This amount is consistent with the Board of Regents budget request and the 3-year budget compact signed with Governor Dunleavy in August of 2019.

The FY22 Operating Budget will remain under further consideration by the Senate Finance Committee, and we expect the House to start its own subcommittee process during the next two weeks. You can view the Senate Finance Subcommittee hearing here.

UA Interns Meet Legislators and Alumni

Earlier today, the University of Alaska Southeast hosted a virtual meet and greet for legislators and students participating in the Senator Ted Stevens Legislative Internship Program. The event highlighted the important role that interns have in the Capitol, and the important service they provide legislators and their staffs. For more than 30 years, University of Alaska students have worked as interns during the legislative session. It is a great opportunity for students in any academic program, and the students gain valuable experience while earning college credit. Thank you to UAS Chancellor Karen Carey, Kathryn Portelli and their team for organizing a great event!

Land Grant Resolution Advances

A legislative resolution calling for a solution to UA's Land Grant Deficit passed the Senate Education Committee this week. Senate Joint Resolution 8 by Sen. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak), seeks a joint federal and state solution to create a permanent land endowment for our university. Although UA is a land grant institution, it has not received its full land entitlement and is due approximately 360,000 acres. Resolving this issue is vital for the university’s future. We appreciate Senators’ willingness to bring awareness to this 100-year-old problem, and look forward to working with them to move this resolution through the Legislature. You can watch the hearing here.

Career and Technical Education Legislation Introduced

Legislation has been introduced that will help sustain UA’s workforce development programs. House Bill 100 by Representative Adam Wool reauthorizes the Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP). The program uses a portion of employee unemployment insurance contributions to fund high-demand career and technical education programs. It brings in more than $5 million to UA each year, but is scheduled to sunset at the end of this fiscal year. We are grateful to Rep. Wool for championing this issue, and will be working with legislators to move this bill through the process.

UA Regents Confirmation Hearing

Governor Dunleavy has appointed Ralph Seekins and Dale Anderson to the UA Board of Regents. Next Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. the Senate Education Committees will be holding confirmation hearings for these two individuals.

Did You Know?

Alaska has its own Liberty Bell! In front of the State Capitol is a replica of the Liberty Bell gifted to Alaska in 1950. A similar replica was given to every state and territory as part of a promotional campaign for U.S. Savings Bonds. The bell was famously rung 49 times on July 1, 1958 in celebration of the passage of the Alaska Statehood Act. 

February 12, 2021

UA Actively Engaged at Capitol

Today is the 25th day of the Legislative Session. After three and a half weeks, the state House of Representatives took another step towards organization on Thursday in electing Representative Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) to serve as Speaker of the House.

Stutes, a Republican, has previously caucused with Democrats in forming a bipartisan majority in the House. Earlier this session she signaled her intention to do so again during the 32nd Alaska Legislature. The House has been split 20-20 between Republicans and Democrats, independents and Rep. Stutes. This divide has stymied the organization process which would allow House lawmakers to begin their work. The surprise break in the gridlock came when Representative Kelly Merrick (R-Eagle River) gave Stutes the necessary vote to be elected Speaker by a vote of 21-19. Despite this show of support, Rep. Merrick has announced that she has not joined the Democrat-led caucus. This means that while a Speaker has been elected, the House remains divided without a majority to govern. We expect this situation to evolve further in the coming days.

President Pitney Meets with Legislators

UA Interim President Pat Pitney was active in the Capitol this week meeting with lawmakers and presenting to UA’s Senate Finance Subcommittee. The President briefed lawmakers on UA’s strategic goals and legislative priorities, and talked about the important role the university has in the state’s economy. She also met with several freshman legislators who are alumni, and discussed how UA programs and research help move our state forward. President Pitney will be back before Senate Finance on Tuesday at 9 a.m. to continue her presentation to lawmakers. You can view the Senate Finance Subcommittee here.

UA Alumni Virtual Fly-In

This week UA’s three alumni associations held a virtual fly-in with legislators. They maintained a busy schedule of legislative meetings. Alumni met with more than 40 legislators and staff communicating UA’s value, telling personal stories and advocating on UA’s behalf. Alumni interest and enthusiasm is incredibly impactful and a valuable part of the legislative process. Thank you to the alumni who participated, and to the wonderful staff for helping plan and coordinate this year’s event.

Did You Know?

This Sunday marks the anniversary of the signing of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act. The act, championed by Elizabeth Peratovich, addressed discrimination in public accommodations and facilities around Alaska. When adopted, the legislation was the first of its kind in the U.S. The act was groundbreaking and paved the way for similar legislation including the federal Civil Rights Act.

February 5, 2021

UA Funding in Governor's Infrastructure Bill

Today is the 18th day of the Legislative session. After two and a half weeks of gridlock, the state House of Representatives took the first step toward organization on Thursday by unanimously electing freshman Representative Josiah Patkotak (I- Utqiagvik) to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore. On Friday, Republicans nominated Rep. Steve Thompson (R-Fairbanks) to serve as Speaker of the House. That vote failed on a caucus-line vote of 20-20.

The absence of a governing majority continues to prevent the House from undertaking any work of substance. Until a majority coalition is formed there is simply no way to perform legislative business. Representatives are still working in temporary offices, with limited staff, and are prevented from introducing legislation or forming committees.

University Projects Included in G.O. Bond Bill

Governor Dunleavy has introduced a $356 million infrastructure bond package including $29.6 million for the University of Alaska. Senate Bill 74 would, subject to a vote of the people, issue general obligation bonds to finance a variety of capital projects to improve transportation, communications and education. Specifically, for the university the bill provides:

• UAF Bartlett and Moore Hall Modernization - $18.65 million
• UAA Building Energy Performance Upgrades - $10.9 million
• UAA Integrated Sciences Building Energy Savings Project - $428,000

The University of Alaska received the second largest allocation of any recipient in the proposed bond package ($29.6M), and we thank Governor Dunleavy for this important step. The legislation has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee, and will be considered as part of the overall budget package as the legislative session continues.

President Pitney Active in the Capitol

UA Interim President Pat Pitney appeared before the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, briefing lawmakers on UA’s strategic goals and legislative priorities. The presentation addressed a number of topics including the university’s key role in the state’s economy, serving Alaska’s educational needs during COVID-19 and budgetary constraints, as well as research and federal initiatives. Lawmakers questions highlighted the important work university faculty and staff are doing in the areas of unmanned aviation systems, teacher training, and virtual learning. You can view the hearing here.

Next week President Pitney will visit the State Capitol and present to the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, February 11 at 9 a.m. She will also meet with leaders in the House and Senate to discuss UA legislative priorities. You can learn more about UA legislative priorities here.

Did You Know?

January 19, 2021

32nd Alaska Legislature Convenes

Today, state lawmakers gaveled-in to begin the first session of the 32nd Alaska Legislature. Your Government Relations Team is on the ground in Juneau, and actively engaged working on behalf of the University of Alaska.
 
There is an excitement in Juneau that accompanies the start of every session, but this year also brings with it a good deal of anxiety. Concerns about COVID-19 exposure are omnipresent. Legislators and their staff are held to strict testing and mask-wearing protocols, and the Capitol complex has been outfitted with screening technology and protective barriers in legislative chambers. Additionally, the House of Representatives has not organized, which creates a great deal of uncertainty.
 
Our goal with the Capitol Report is keeping the university community informed about legislative issues important to UA. We look forward to providing updates on happenings in the Capitol, legislation moving through the process, UA budget news, and the work being done to advance the University of Alaska’s priorities. We’ll have more information on those topics in the days ahead.

Hutchison Leads UA State Relations
Chad Hutchison has joined UA’s Government Relations Team as Director of State Relations. Chad is a lifelong Fairbanks resident, and received his Bachelor of Business Administration from UAF and law degree from Gonzaga University. A practicing attorney since 2007, he started his career in private practice at the firm Cook, Schuhmann & Groseclose in Fairbanks. He joins the university after serving as counsel to the Alaska State Senate Majority, and brings proven experience with the development and passage of legislation.

Chad succeeds Miles Baker who was appointed in August as Legislative Director for Governor Mike Dunleavy. Miles’ work for UA in Washington D.C. and the State Capitol during the past several years has been invaluable. We thank him for his dedicated service to the university, and look forward to continue working with him to build strong relationships for UA within the executive branch.

New Faces in 32nd Alaska Legislature
The 32nd Alaska Legislature brings many new faces to the Capitol after substantial turnover resulting from last year’s elections. In 2020, several members of legislative leadership were defeated for re-election including the Senate President, House Finance Co-Chair, House Minority Leader and the chairmen of both the House and Senate Rules Committees. That level of change amongst legislators in positions of leadership is unusual, and will alter the dynamic in the Capitol this session. Thirteen freshman lawmakers joined the Legislature today, many of whom have a direct connection to the University of Alaska. You can see these and others on our Alumni in Government page on the UA Government Relations website.

Senate Formed Republican Majority Caucus
The Senate gaveled-in and quickly organized a Republican led majority caucus. Republicans in the Senate hold 13 seats to the Democrats’ seven, but have faced divisions within their caucus about policy direction and leadership roles. These disagreements delayed the organizing of a governing majority after the fall election. The organization announced by Republicans is a non-binding “Caucus of Equals.” This suggests that tough decisions around the state spending and the PFD will not necessarily be decided along caucus or party lines. Senate President Peter Micciche (R-Soldotna) heads the caucus with a leadership team comprised of:

• Sen. Bert Stedman (R-Sitka) - Finance Co-Chair for Operating Budget
• Sen. Click Bishop (R-Fairbanks) - Finance Co-Chair for Capital Budget & Legislation
• Sen. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) - Rules Committee Chair
• Sen. Shelley Hughes (R-Palmer) - Majority Leader
• Sen. Mia Costello (R-Anchorage) – Majority Whip 

Committee chairs and assignments will likely be announced later this week. Senator Tom Begich (D-Anchorage) will serve as Minority leader of the Democrat caucus.

House Split Over Organization
The House convened without selecting a presiding officer for only the fourth time in state history. The absence of a governing majority prevents the House from undertaking any work of substance. Representatives are working in temporary offices, with limited staff, and without committee assignments. Some brief background is helpful to understand this situation.
 
Following each election cycle, legislators start a process known inside the Capitol as “organization.” It’s an exercise in coalition building, networking, and at times brinkmanship. Members work to secure support from enough of their colleagues to weave together a majority caucus capable of establishing working control of their respective body.

Caucuses normally form along party lines, but there are exceptions and bipartisan coalitions are not unusual in Alaska. During the previous Legislature, several moderate Republicans joined with Democrats to form a coalition in the House. In prior years, rural Democrats have joined Republican led organizations to help protect their districts’ interests. Coastal legislators have periodically organized with interior legislators to form working majorities aligned less on partisan affiliation, and more around similar policy objectives.
 
The outcome of the 2020 election has made organizing the House of Representatives especially challenging. House membership is divided with 21 Republicans, 15 Democrats, and four Independents. While Republicans technically hold the majority of seats, policy differences and political alliances have impeded their ability to form a majority. Kodiak Republican Rep. Louise Stutes has announced that she will caucus with the Democrats and Independents who formed the bipartisan coalition during the previous Legislature. Meanwhile, the remaining 20 Republicans are working to put together a Republican-led majority. During today’s floor session, they nominated Representative Bart LeBon (R-Fairbanks) to serve as Speaker Pro Temp. This largely ceremonial position would preside over the House in place of the Lt. Governor while organization in completed. The motion failed on a vote of 20-20.   
 
Why does all this indecision matter? The outcome of these organizational negotiations determines leadership positions, committee membership and sets the policy priorities. Without an organization they can’t elect presiding officers, legislation can’t be introduced, and committees can’t be formed. There is simply no way to perform legislative business. Discussions among lawmakers will be ongoing, but with no promise of a quick resolution. In 2019, it took the House 31 days to organize, which is significant considering it is a 90-day session.

Lawmakers Release Prefiled Legislation
While legislators are still working to organize, many have already been thinking about legislation they will be filing this session. Lawmakers have prefiled more than 100 bills for early consideration. Yes, legislators can introduce bills before they are even sworn into office!
 
The Legislature’s Uniform Rules, which governs legislative procedure, includes a process known as prefiling. Rule 36 allows legislators to request bills be drafted and submitted for numbering to the Legislature’s Legal Services Division before the first day of session. This is often used by legislators to grab early headlines and stake out positions on policy issues going into session. The prefiled bills include several issues related to the University of Alaska including legislation expanding dual-enrollment programs, the membership of the Board of Regents and expanding scholarship programs. Check out the UA Government Relations website for a full list of Bills We’re Tracking.   
 
In addition to working with lawmakers on legislation, your Government Relations Teams will be strongly advocating for the UA Board of Regents FY22 Operating and Capital Budget request. We will also be working to reauthorize the Technical Vocational Education Program, and to demonstrate to policymakers the value UA adds to Alaska and our economy.

Welcome Senator Ted Stevens Legislative Interns
This week lawmakers welcome this year’s cohort of the Senator Ted Stevens Legislative Internship Program. For more than 30 years, the Legislature has hosted University of Alaska students to intern during the legislative session and to partake in this rigorous public policy program. During his life, Senator Stevens maintained a legendary commitment to education, public service, and the professional development of the next generation of Alaskan leaders. The Ted Stevens Foundation is continuing that legacy, and in recognition of its financial commitment to the program, the university renamed the internship in the Senator’s honor. This year’s cohort is a diverse group of students from every region of our state:

• Celeste "CJ" Harrell, UAS - Sen. Jesse Kiehl
• Connor Owens, UAS - Sen. Tom Begich
• Emma Ashlock, UAF - Sen. Mia Costello
• Max Robicheaux, UAF - Sen. Scott Kawasaki
• Riley Nye, UAS - Sen. Shelley Hughes
• Trevor Bailly, UAF - Sen. Bill Wielechowski
• Trystin Luhr, UAS - Rep. Chris Tuck

Past interns have gone on to work in law, public service, and industry, and even to serve in the legislature. This is a great professional development opportunity, and worth recommending to all UA students regardless of their field of study or planned career track.

Former Legislator Jay Kerttula Passes
Longtime legislator Jalmar “Jay” Kerttula passed away in November. Kerttula was Alaska’s longest serving legislator, and the only person to serve as both Speaker of the House and President of the Senate. His venerable career representing Palmer spanned more than 30 years and played a pivotal role in shaping our state. Kerttula came to Alaska as part of the New Deal’s agriculture farm project in the Mat-Su Valley and attended the University of Alaska. He is remembered as a statesman, and a building on UAA’s Mat-Su College campus is named in his honor. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Did-You-Know?
Gavel Alaska is a statewide television service providing live coverage of state government. As Alaska’s own version of C-Span, the programming covers legislative committee meetings, floor sessions, leadership press conferences and other political events. The channel, and its website video archives, are on almost constantly in legislative offices as a way to keep up on legislative proceedings. Programming also covers the Alaska Supreme Court, Governor’s Press Conferences and numerous other state events. Journalist Tim Bradner recently interviewed UA Interim President Pat Pitney for Gavel’s series Capitol Views. The 8-minute segment will air on the network throughout the next several months.