Opportunity for public testimony on university budget March 1-3, 2018
by Michelle Saport |
UA advocates -
It's time to make your voice heard and show your support for the university!
The House Finance Committee is hearing public testimony this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and it's critical that legislators hear your story about why the university matters to you, your family and friends, and our communities. If you're wondering what to say, you can start by thanking legislators for their support of the University of Alaska.
Here's where the university's budget stands right now:
During last week's closeout hearing of the university's budget subcommittee, an amendment sponsored by Rep. Adam Wool added $19 million to the university's operating budget.
Monday night, subcommittee chair Rep. David Guttenberg presented that amendment to the full House Finance Committee, where it passed on a vote of 8-3 with bipartisan support.
The university's FY19 operating budget currently stands at $336 million.
Testify by going to your local Legislative Information Office (LIO) during the time specified below. Find your LIO here: http://akleg.gov/lios.php. If you can't make it to an LIO, you may call in during time allocated for the Off Net Sites - in Juneau, call (907) 586-9085, in Anchorage, call (907) 563-9085, and in all other locations, call (844) 586-9085.
Thursday, March 1: 1-3 p.m. - Homer, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su, Seward 3:15-4:45 p.m. - Utqiagvik, Dillingham, Fairbanks 4:15-4:45 p.m. - Off Net Sites
Friday, March 2: 1-2:30 p.m. - Juneau 2:45-3:45 p.m. - Sitka, Petersburg, Delta Junction, Unalaska, Glennallen, Tok 4-5 p.m. - Bethel, Cordova, Kotzebue, Nome, Valdez, Wrangell 5-6 p.m. - Off Net Sites
Saturday, March 3: 9-10 a.m. - Off Net Sites 10:15-11:45 a.m. - Anchorage Noon-1 p.m. - Off Net Sites
Public testimony is limited to two minutes. Plan to sign in at your LIO or call 30 minutes prior to the end of each period, otherwise public testimony may close early.
If you can't make it to testify during one of those times, you can also email the House Finance Committee members at housefinance@akleg.gov.
When contacting legislators, avoid using university email or other resources, and do so on your own time, such as lunch time or after work. Tips for advocates and a briefing sheet on our FY19 operating budget are available online at alaska.edu/state.
Thank you for all you do for the University of Alaska.
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