Governor Bill Walker signed several bills into law on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus during the month of June, including the operating budget that contains the first increase to the university’s budget in four years and the capital budget that includes important funds to address UA’s deferred maintenance.

UAA’s Child Welfare Academy hosted a bill signing on June 7, where the governor signed foster care reform legislation alongside many children and youth who were either current or former foster care children.

On June 13, Governor Walker signed both budgets and Permanent Fund fiscal plan legislation at a ceremony in the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) Building. He was joined by students participating in the ANSEP program.

The operating budget includes a $327 million appropriation for the university, a $10 million increase from last year’s budget. The university received $2 million for deferred maintenance in the capital budget, along with $3 million from a separate deferred maintenance appropriation that was directed to the governor’s office.

It’s great to see that Governor Walker and the legislature recognize the value of the university to our state, first in the passage of increased funding and now by hosting these important events on campus.