State Relations

FY23 Advocacy Materials

FY23 Advocacy Materials:

FY23 Presentations

House Finance University Subcommittee
10-Year Plan - Feb. 11, 2022
Program Development and Research Requests -  Feb. 4, 2022
     Drones
     Heavy Oil Recovery
     Critical Minerals
University of Alaska: For Alaska -  Jan. 28 2022

Senate Finance University Subommittee
University of Alaska: For Alaska - March 14, 2022

Senate Finance Committee
UA - Deferred Maintenance - Feb. 9, 2022

Senate Education Committee
UA College of Education Consortium - March 9, 2022
University Overview - Jan. 24, 2022

Senate Labor & Commerce Committee
UA Workforce Development - Jan. 24, 2022
UA Workforce Reports

FY23 Budget Talking Points

  • The State of Alaska’s investment in the University of Alaska is essential for creating revenue from tuition, industry research, grants and philanthropic giving. 
  • Financial stability is essential for the universities to focus on key state needs including research that supports Alaska’s economic development, workforce and career training,  and to address student demand for accessible, affordable, high-quality education.
  • UA leadership is optimistic that we are rounding the corner to financial stability after seven of the last eight years have included state budget reductions compounded by declining enrollment and the financial impacts of the COVID pandemic.
  • A university education provides upward mobility and new opportunities for Alaskans. 
  • UA provides 90 percent of all higher education in Alaska, and as the state’s largest workforce development provider serves more than 22,000 students annually.
  • Stable budget funding and renewed support from the state is critical for UA’s future and the economic recovery of the state.
  • Since FY14, UA managed more than $100 million in reduced state funding
    • Since spring of 2014, UA has 2,500 less employees, (28 percent reduction) 
    • UA reduced more than 50 programs across the system
  • Reductions were compounded by declining enrollment and the financial impacts of the COVID pandemic.
  • UA continues to look at ways to monetize its assets by increased space utilization and reducing the cost of facility ownership.
  • Even with an increase in state funding, UA will need to continue to identify additional efficiencies and internally reallocate unrestricted funding to cover projected operating cost increases, estimated at $11 million, and enrollment revenue declines.

Advocacy Actions

#supportUA on social media

Social media is a great place to share positive news about the university - and to respectfully correct misinformation when you encounter it.  As always, the most effective tool is your personal story. Share how you have been impacted by the University of Alaska, why you support funding the university and why you oppose huge cuts to education. 

Contact your representatives

When contacting legislators remember to make your communication personal to your own views.  While it’s good to be aware of the University of Alaska budget, it’s preferable to talk to legislators about what you know best.

If you live in a particular legislative district—speak to your representatives as a voter and constituent; tell them specific ways you’d like to see them support UA.