Senate panel bumps University of Alaska funding by $5 million over House budget
The University of Alaska Senate Finance Subcommittee passed its proposed university budget Tuesday afternoon, suggesting a cut in unrestricted general funds of $5 million from current funding levels. The proposal was $5 million more than the university appropriation passed by the House last week.
The House passed its version of the operating budget April 11, approving funding for the university at $317 million; $10 million less than current funding levels. The Senate University of Alaska Finance Subcommittee has suggested a $322 million appropriation to the university in unrestricted general funds.
University President Jim Johnsen was unavailable for comment, but UA spokeswoman Roberta Graham said the university is pleased with the effort to maintain funding.
“We are encouraged by the outcome of recent legislative decisions regarding state funding for the university and are appreciative of all the hard work that’s gone into studying the university’s budget,” Graham wrote in an email to the News-Miner. “The vote this week is a strong statement of support for UA. Legislators clearly understand the value and importance of the University of Alaska to the state’s economic future.”
Read more: http://www.newsminer.com/news/alaska_news/senate-panel-bumps-university-of-alaska-funding-by-million-over/article_4abc56c2-632d-11e9-ae07-0faa0bc68129.html
(Fairbanks Newsminer)