Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Saturday passed House Bill 441, sponsored by the House Finance Committee. HB 441 provides operating funds for the University of Alaska system through an appropriation directly from the Constitutional Budget Reserve.

HB 441 invests a total of $532,654,800 in the operations of the University of Alaska system. It responds to University of Alaska President Mark Hamilton and the University's Board of Regents' request for a significant, multi-year commitment. The total appropriation includes $66,284,700 with a two-year lapse date, $34 million in State funds and the remainder from University receipts, federal funds, and other sources.

"The separate two-year allocation will afford President Hamilton and the Board of Regents some stability in funding for new programs through the assurance that the second year's funding for these programs will be available. It also provides additional flexibility to meet the evolving needs of our students and our state," said Representative Eldon Mulder (R-Anchorage), Co-Chair of the House Finance Committee. "The two-year time span will also allow new and modified programs to begin functioning so that they can be reasonably measured when the Legislature considers the 2003 budget.

"It is significant that HB 441 establishes goals for the University to meet, including providing more Alaska trained teachers, helping diversify our economy, and providing education and training for jobs and professions that are developing in Alaska," Mulder said. "It puts the Legislature on record as expecting the University to offer a quality education, to retain its students through graduation, and to forge partnerships with the private sector. Achieving these goals will require the University to review all its programs and facilities and eliminate or revamp those not contributing to these new goals."

If HB 441 passes the Legislature, University funding would be removed from HB 312, the State operating budget.

HB 441 passed on reconsideration 37-1. The House also voted 37-1 to withdraw the funding from the CBR. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
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