The University of Alaska has urged people concerned about recent budget cuts to contact their legislators, as they claim the slash in funding could put students' ability to graduate in jeopardy. On Friday, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed the operating budget for the Fiscal Year 2020, which included a 41 percent cut in funding for the university. University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen called it "devastating," and on Monday, employees were given notice of furlough. "Hopefully, we'll be successful in overriding the governor's veto in the legislature so we can pull that back but if we're not, that'll just be the beginning," Johnsen said. Without success in the legislature, the Board of Regents will be asked to declare financial exigency, which could result in students being unable to complete their programs. With the future of the university in the hands of legislators, Johnsen urged the community to get in touch with their representatives and express the transformational benefits of the school.
https://www.newsweek.com/university-alaska-budget-cuts-legistlators-1447175
