Conference committee votes to cut University of Alaska by $50 million

A legislative committee voted Thursday to cut the University of Alaska’s budget by $50 million.

The conference committee voted 5-1 to adopt the House version of the university budget, which cuts $35 million more than the $15 million cut proposed by Gov. Bill Walker.

The portion of the budget directly controlled by the legislature would be $300 million, as opposed to Walker’s proposed $335 million.

University leaders have said the deeper cut could eliminate up to 500 jobs and lead to tuition rising by as much as 15 percent.

Rep. Les Gara, D-Anchorage
Rep. Les Gara, D-Anchorage, during discussions about the state operating budget in March. (Photo by Skip Gray/360 North)

Anchorage Democratic Rep. Les Gara said the cut would lead to young people leaving the state. It will also cost grants from private foundations. Gara is the committee’s only minority-caucus member.

Fairbanks Republican Sen. Pete Kelly said the cut is proof that in challenging times, everything is on the table.

Andrew Kitchenman

State Government Reporter, Alaska Public Media & KTOO

State government plays an outsized role in the life of Alaskans. As the state continues to go through the painful process of deciding what its priorities are, I bring Alaskans to the scene of a government in transition.

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