UA president: Dunleavy vetoes 'will impact everything we do'

Governor Mike Dunleavy’s vetoes include a $130 million reduction in state support for the University of Alaska system. That’s in addition to a $5 million cut to UA approved by state legislators. Combined, they reduce state support for the university by a $135 million, or 41% from the FY 19 level. Dunleavy says he has faith that university leaders will be able to work through the loss.

“I believe they can turn the University of Alaska into, if not the finest university of the Arctic in a few select areas. I don’t think they can be all things for all people,” Dunleavy said. “That’s generally speaking… the state of Alaska. We can’t be all things for all people.”

The reduction in state support will immediately impact university operations, as the new fiscal year starts July 1st. University officials say if the veto goes through, over 1,300 staff and faculty would lose their jobs.

Speaking to UA Regents during a special budget meeting Friday, University President Jim Johnsen underscored the severity of the cut.

Read more: https://www.alaskapublic.org/2019/06/28/ua-president-dunleavy-vetoes-will-impact-everything-we-do/