Statewide Administration Assembly May 2019 Highlights
The Statewide Administration Assembly held a regular business meeting on Thursday,
May 2. These are highlights from the meeting:
- Representatives heard a legislative update from AVP Miles Baker, who reported the
Senate had completed its budget and agreed to fund the University of Alaska at $322M
(a reduction of $5M from FY19 funding levels). Baker noted the House and Senate would
now form a conference committee to negotiate the differences in the two approved budgets.
Following conference committee, the budget would then be transmitted to the governor
for his final approval. Legislators are still working to determine how much the PFD
will be, which could impact whether the governor opts to veto any of the funding amounts.
- Representatives discussed the resolution being drafted by the Staff Alliance that
will request the Board of Regents make and post recordings of its meetings. SAA passed
a motion in support of the resolution.
- Monique Musick gave a brief update on the UA Strong advocacy campaign and noted there will be a number of OpEds/Letters to the Editor from key members of the community and industry to show support for the university. Yard signs are also available in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau.
SAA held its spring election. Results are available HERE. There were seven open seats for a regular two-year term, as well as two one-year terms as an alternate. The election concluded on May 10. All representatives will take part in the annual meeting on June 21 for orientation and goal setting. Representatives asked to invite President Johnsen and members of his executive team to meet with them to discuss issues including staff morale and university budget scenarios. They plan to hold a potluck-style lunch open to all SW staff as part of the annual meeting.