April 6, 2017

April 6, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Regents to hold special meeting to discuss potential budget cuts 
FAIRBANKS –The University of Alaska Board of Regents will hold a special meeting on April 13 to discuss potential budget cuts by the Alaska Legislature. The board meeting will be held in Room 204 of the Butrovich Building on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus from 1:00- 3:00 pm and will also be available via live stream at: http://www.alaska.edu/bor/live/. 
 
“While we probably won’t have a final legislative budget number before the board convenes,” UA President Jim Johnsen said, “it’s important that the regents begin considering the devastating impact an additional $22 million cut will have on our ability to serve our students and the state. This impact is compounded by the lack of capital funding to maintain our 400 facilities and unfunded fixed cost increases.” 
 
Johnsen is continuing to advocate for the $325 million unrestricted general fund appropriation endorsed by the governor and the House of Representatives. The chancellors at each of the three universities have been working with Johnsen on contingency plans in the event next year’s operating budget is reduced. 
 
The Senate’s budget, unveiled April 3, proposes to cut $22 million or 7 percent from the university’s current operating budget level and, if enacted, would represent a cumulative reduction of $75 million (19.8 percent) over the last four years.
 
—30— 
 
For more information, contact Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs at 907-360-2416 (cell). NR6-17