Senator Cathy Giessel
Republican, District E
State Senator 2021-present
Senator Giessel has continued to support UA and provide critical leadership in the Senate as Majority Leader.
The Senate voted 20-0 for the capital budget SB57. As a member of the bi-partisan majority, Senator Giessel voted Yes on the operating budget HB53 which passed 16-4. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
Senator Giessel took a leadership role in introducing SB28 which would provide a defined benefit retirement option. SB28 was referred to Labor and Commerce. She was a co-sponsor for HB10 which would place a faculty member on the Board of Regents.
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Prior Years
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During 2024, Senator Giessel has continued to support UA and provides critical leadership in the Senate as Majority Leader.
As a member of the bi-partisan majority, she voted Yes on the operating budget (HB268/HB270) which passed 17-3. Senator Giessel also voted Yes on the capital budget (SB187) on both the original senate version and on the final vote to concur with the house amendments. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
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Senator Giessel voted Yes for SB13 (textbook costs) and recommended Do Pass on SB78 which would reduce hunting license costs to out-of-state students. SB78 was killed in the senate at the end of the session. Senator Giessel was a sponsor for SB88 which would have provided certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. While SB88 passed in the senate with a vote of 12-5, it died in house.
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Senator Giessel voted with her senate colleagues 20-0, on HB148 which included improvements to the state’s scholarship program, TVEP Reauthorization, and continuation of the Education Tax Credit.
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During the fall of 2023, Senator Giessel met with the Executive Committee of the UAA Faculty and Staff Association. She had a UA intern working in her office.
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Senator Giessel returned to the Senate after winning the election for new district E in November 2022. She has continued her previous level of support of UA.
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During the 2023 session Senator Giessel joined her colleagues in voting for the operating and capital budgets which were favorable to UA. The budget included $6.5 million for additional compensation, an increase of $15 million in operating funds, and $39 million for deferred maintenance. She voted in favor of Senate amendment 31 ($5 million in ANSEP funding for DEED) and amendment 37 with additional $5 million in funding for the Drone program and $500,000 for the Food Security program. Also included was $6.78 million for deferred maintenance.
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The Senator voted Nay on the Confirmation of Bethany Marcum for the UA Board of Regents and voted Nay on the motion to rescind the negative vote of the joint session of 29-31. Bethany Marcum did not have a record of support for the university.
Senator Giessel joined her colleagues in passing SB13 with a vote of 19-1. SB13 is An Act relating to costs of and charges for textbooks and other course materials required for University of Alaska courses; SB13 was transmitted to the House.
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As a sponsor and a member of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Giessel voted for HB61 which removes the university’s ability to restrict firearms during an emergency declaration. HB61 passed the House (28-12) and the Senate (17-3) and was transmitted to the governor.
As a member of the Resources Committee, the Senator voted Do Pass for SB78 which provides a discount for hunting and fishing licenses for post-secondary education students. This bill was referred to the Finance Committee.
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Senator Giessel was a sponsor of SB 88 which would reintroduce a defined benefits retirement plan. SB 88 was referred to the Finance Committee.
Senator James Kaufman
Republican, District F
Representative 2021-2022
Senator 2023-Present
Senator Kaufman has provided limited support for UA as a member of the UA Senate Subcommittee, the Senate Finance Committee and as a member of the Conference Committee.
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The Senate voted 20-0 for the capital budget SB57. Senator Kaufman voted Yes on the operating budget HB53 which passed 16-4. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests. As a member of the Conference Committee Senator Kaufman accepted the senate’s more austere version of the operating and supplemental budgets.
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Prior Years
Senator Kaufman was elected to the State Senate in November 2022 after serving one term in the House.
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During 2024, as a member of the bi-partisan majority, he voted Yes on the operating budget (HB268/HB270) which passed 17-3. Senator Kaufman also voted Yes on the capital budget (SB187) on both the original senate version and on the final vote to concur with the house amendments. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
Senator Kaufman was a sponsor and voted Yes for SB13 (textbook costs) and was a sponsor on SB78 which would reduce hunting license costs to out-of-state students. SB78 was killed in the senate at the end of the session. Senator Kaufman voted NO for SB88 which would have provided certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. While SB88 passed in the senate with a vote of 12-5, it died in house.
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Senator Kaufman voted with his senate colleagues 20-0, on HB148 which included improvements to the state’s scholarship program, TVEP Reauthorization, and continuation of the Education Tax Credit.
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During the 2023 session Senator Kaufman joined his colleagues in voting for the operating and capital budgets which were favorable to UA. The budget included $6.5 million for additional compensation, an increase of $15 million in operating funds, and $39 million for deferred maintenance. He voted in favor of Senate amendment 31 ($5 million in ANSEP funding for DEED) and amendment 37 with additional funding ($5 million) for the Drone program and $500,000 for the Food Security program. Also included was $6.78 million for deferred maintenance.
The Senator voted Yea on the Confirmation of Bethany Marcum for the UA Board of Regents and voted Yea on the motion to rescind the negative vote of the joint session of 29-31. Bethany Marcum did not have a record of support for the university.
Senator Kaufman joined his colleagues in passing SB13 with a vote of 19-1. SB13 is An Act relating to costs of and charges for textbooks and other course materials required for University of Alaska courses; SB13 was transmitted to the House.
Senator Kaufman was a sponsor and as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he voted Do Pass for HB61. HB61 removes the university’s ability to restrict firearms during an emergency declaration. HB61 passed the House (28-12) and the Senate (17-3) and was transmitted to the governor.
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As a sponsor and a member of the Resources Committee, the Senator voted Do Pass for SB78 which provides a discount for hunting and fishing licenses for post-secondary education students. This bill was referred to the Finance Committee.
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
Democrat, District G
State Senator 2018-present
Senator Gray-Jackson continue to provide considerable support for UA.
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The Senate voted 20-0 for the capital budget SB57. Senator Gray-Jackson voted Yes on the operating budget HB53 which passed 16-4. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests. The Senator is a co-sponsor of HB10 which would add a faculty member to the BOR and a co-sponsor of SB28 for a defined benefit retirement option. Senator Gray-Jackson was a co-sponsor of SB157 to provide notice of changes in student fees. SB157 was referred to the education committee.
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Prior Years
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During 2024, as a member of the bi-partisan majority, she voted Yes on the operating budget (HB268/HB270) which passed 17-3. Senator Gray-Jackson also voted Yes on the capital budget (SB187) on both the original senate bill and on the final vote to concur with the house amendments. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
The senator voted Yes for SB13 (textbook costs) and on SB78 which would reduce hunting license costs to out-of-state students. SB78 was killed in the senate at the end of the session. The senator voted Yes for SB88 which would have provided certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. While SB88 passed in the senate with a vote of 12-5, it died in house. The senator was a sponsor of SB14 which would provide an early retirement option. SB14 died in the Labor and Commerce Committee. She was also a sponsor for SB120 (Education Tax Credit) which was incorporated into HB148 and passed by the house and senate.
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Senator Gray-Jackson voted with her senate colleagues 20-0, on HB148 which included improvements to the state’s scholarship program, TVEP Reauthorization, and continuation of the Education Tax Credit.
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During the 2023 session Senator Gray-Jackson joined her colleagues in voting for the operating and capital budgets which were favorable to UA. The budget included $6.5 million for additional compensation, an increase of $15 million in operating funds, and $39 million for deferred maintenance. She voted in favor of Senate amendment 31 ($5 million in ANSEP funding for DEED) and amendment 37 with additional funding ($5 million) for the Drone program and $500,000 for the Food Security program. Also included was $6.78 million for deferred maintenance.
The Senator voted Nay on the Confirmation of Bethany Marcum for the UA Board of Regents and voted Nay on the motion to rescind the negative vote of the joint session of 29-31. Bethany Marcum did not have a record of support for the university.
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As a sponsor and a member of the Education Committee Senator Gray-Jackson voted Do Pass for SB13. She joined her colleagues in passing SB13 with a vote of 19-1. SB13 is An Act relating to costs of and charges for textbooks and other course materials required for University of Alaska courses; SB13 was transmitted to the House.
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Senator Gray-Jackson voted against HB61 which removes the university’s ability to restrict firearms during an emergency declaration. HB61 passed the House (28-12) and the Senate (17-3) and was transmitted to the governor.
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Senator Gray-Jackson was a sponsor of SB 88 which would reintroduce a defined benefits retirement plan. SB 88 was referred to the Finance Committee. The Senator was a sponsor of SB 56 and as a member of the Education Committee voted Do Pass for SB 56. SB 56 would increase the amount awarded for the Alaska Performance Scholarship. Senator Gray-Jackson was also a sponsor of SB 120 which would extend the education tax credit. SB 120 was referred to the Finance Committee.
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Senator Gray-Jackson has been consistently supportive of UA.
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The Senator voted for the operating budget. Of bills favorable to UA, she voted YES for SB32, YES on HB114, YES on HB127 and YES on HB 322.
Senator Matt Claman
Republican, District H
State Representative 2015-2022
State Senator 2023-present
Senator Claman continues to be supportive of UA.
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The Senate voted 20-0 for the capital budget SB57. Senator Claman voted Yes on the operating budget HB53 which passed 16-4. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests. He is a co-sponsor of HB10 which would add a faculty member to the BOR and a co-sponsor of SB28 for a defined benefit retirement option.
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Prior Years
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During 2024, as a member of the bi-partisan majority, Senator Claman he voted Yes on the operating budget (HB268/HB270) which passed 17-3. Senator Claman also voted Yes on the capital budget (SB187) on both the original senate bill and on the final vote to concur with the house amendments. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
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The senator voted No on SB13 (textbook costs) and Yes on SB78 which would reduce hunting license costs to out-of-state students. SB78 was killed in the senate at the end of the session. The senator was excused for the vote on SB88 which would have provided certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. While SB88 passed in the senate with a vote of 12-5, it died in house.
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Senator Claman voted with his senate colleagues 20-0, on HB148 which included improvements to the state’s scholarship program, TVEP Reauthorization, and continuation of the Education Tax Credit.
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During the fall of 2023, Senator Claman met with the Executive Committee of the UAA Faculty and Staff Association.
During 2023, while Senator Claman does not highlight the university during meetings or with his communications, he is supportive of UA. He had a UA intern working in his office during the session.
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During the 2023 session Senator Claman joined his colleagues in voting for the operating and capital budgets which were favorable to UA. The budget included $6.5 million for additional compensation, an increase of $15 million in operating funds, and $39 million for deferred maintenance. He voted in favor of Senate amendment 31 ($5 million in ANSEP funding for DEED) and amendment 37 with additional funding ($5 million) for the Drone program and $500,000 for the Food Security program. Also included was $6.78 million for deferred maintenance.
The Senator voted Nay on the Confirmation of Bethany Marcum for the UA Board of Regents and voted Nay on the motion to rescind the negative vote of the joint session of 29-31. Bethany Marcum did not have a record of support for the university.
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Senator Claman was the only senator to vote No on SB13 which passed the Senate with a vote of 19-1. SB13 is An Act relating to costs of and charges for textbooks and other course materials required for University of Alaska courses; SB13 was transmitted to the House.
While Senator Claman voted No Recommendation as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he voted for HB61 during the Senate vote. HB61 removes the university’s ability to restrict firearms during an emergency declaration. HB61 passed the House (28-12) and the Senate (17-3) and was transmitted to the governor.
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As a member of the Resources Committee, the Senator voted Do Pass for SB78 which provides a discount for hunting and fishing licenses for post-secondary education students. This bill was referred to the Finance Committee.
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Senator Claman was a sponsor of SB 88 which would reintroduce a defined benefits retirement plan. SB 88 was referred to the Finance Committee.
Senator Löki Tobin
Democrat, District I
State Senator 2023-Present
Senator Loki Tobin continues to take a leadership role as chair of the Senate Education Committee.
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The Senate voted 20-0 for the capital budget SB57. Senator Tobin voted Yes on the operating budget HB53 which passed 16-4. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests. She is a co-sponsor of HB10 which would add a faculty member to the BOR and a co-sponsor of SB28 for a defined benefit retirement option. Senator Tobin voted do pass on SB118 to add a faculty member to the BOR. Senator Tobin is a vocal advocate for the university, education, and libraries.
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Prior Years
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During 2024, as a member of the bi-partisan majority, she voted Yes on the operating budget (HB268/HB270) which passed 17-3. Senator Tobin also voted Yes on the capital budget (SB187) on both the original senate bill and on the final vote to concur with the house amendments. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
The senator was a sponsor and voted Yes for SB13 (textbook costs) and on SB78 which would reduce hunting license costs to out-of-state students. SB78 was killed in the senate at the end of the session. The senator was a sponsor and voted Yes for SB88 which would have provided certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. While SB88 passed in the senate with a vote of 12-5, it died in house. Senator Tobin voted No Recommendation on SB14 (early recommendation) which died in the Labor and Commerce Committee. She was a sponsor for SB120 (Education Tax Credit) which was incorporated into HB148 and passed by the house and senate
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Senator Tobin voted with her senate colleagues 20-0, on HB148 which included improvements to the state’s scholarship program, TVEP Reauthorization, and continuation of the Education Tax Credit.
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Senator Tobin met with the Executive Committee of the UAA Faculty and Staff Association during the fall of 2023.
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During the 2023 session Senator Tobin joined her colleagues in voting for the operating and capital budgets which were favorable to UA. The budget included $6.5 million for additional compensation, an increase of $15 million in operating funds, and $39 million for deferred maintenance. She voted in favor of Senate amendment 31 ($5 million in ANSEP funding for DEED) and amendment 37 with additional funding ($5 million) for the Drone program and $500,000 for the Food Security program. Also included was $6.78 million for deferred maintenance.
The Senator voted Nay on the Confirmation of Bethany Marcum for the UA Board of Regents and voted Nay on the motion to rescind the negative vote of the joint session of 29-31. Bethany Marcum did not have a record of support for the university Senator Tobin also spoke against the confirmation during the joint session.
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As a sponsor and as Chair of the Education Committee Senator Tobin voted Do Pass for SB13. She joined her colleagues in passing SB13 with a vote of 19-1. SB13 is An Act relating to costs of and charges for textbooks and other course materials required for University of Alaska courses; SB13 was transmitted to the House.
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Senator Tobin voted against HB61 which removes the university’s ability to restrict firearms during an emergency declaration. HB61 passed the House (28-12) and the Senate (17-3) and was transmitted to the governor.
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Senator Tobin was a sponsor of SB 88 which would reintroduce a defined benefits retirement plan. SB 88 was referred to the Finance Committee. The Senator as Chair of the Education Committee voted Do Pass for SB 56. SB 56 would increase the amount awarded for the Alaska Performance Scholarship. Senator Tobin was also a sponsor of SB 120 which would extend the extend the education tax credit. SB 120 was referred to the Finance Committee.
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Senator Tobin met with the Executive Committee of the UAA Faculty and Staff Association during the fall of 2022.
Senator Forrest Dunbar
Democrat, District J
State Senator 2023-Present
Senator Dunbar continues to be supportive of UA.
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The Senate voted 20-0 for the capital budget SB57. Senator Dunbar voted Yes on the operating budget HB53 which passed 16-4. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests. He is a co-sponsor of HB10 which would add a faculty member to the BOR and a co-sponsor of SB28 for a defined benefit retirement option.
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Prior Years
During 2024, as a member of the bi-partisan majority, he voted Yes on the operating budget (HB268/HB270) which passed 17-3. Senator Dunbar also voted Yes on the capital budget (SB187) on both the original senate bill and on the final vote to concur with the house amendments. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
The senator was a sponsor and voted Yes for SB13 (textbook costs). He voted Do Pass on SB78 which would reduce hunting license costs to out-of-state students. SB78 was killed in the senate at the end of the session. The senator was a sponsor and voted Do Pass for SB88 which would have provided certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. While SB88 passed in the senate with a vote of 12-5, it died in house.
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Senator Dunbar voted with his senate colleagues 20-0, on HB148 which included improvements to the state’s scholarship program, TVEP Reauthorization, and continuation of the Education Tax Credit.
During the 2023 session Senator Dunbar joined his colleagues in voting for the operating and capital budgets which were favorable to UA. The budget included $6.5 million for additional compensation, an increase of $15 million in operating funds, and $39 million for deferred maintenance. He voted in favor of Senate amendment 31 ($5 million in ANSEP funding for DEED) and amendment 37 with additional funding ($5 million) for the Drone program and $500,000 for the Food Security program. Also included was $6.78 million for deferred maintenance.
The Senator voted Nay on the Confirmation of Bethany Marcum for the UA Board of Regents and voted Nay on the motion to rescind the negative vote of the joint session of 29-31. Bethany Marcum did not have a record of support for the university.
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As a sponsor, Senator Dunbar joined his colleagues in passing SB13 with a vote of 19-1. SB13 is An Act relating to costs of and charges for textbooks and other course materials required for University of Alaska courses; SB13 was transmitted to the House.
Senator Dunbar voted for HB61 which removes the university’s ability to restrict firearms during an emergency declaration. HB61 passed the House (28-12) and the Senate (17-3) and was transmitted to the governor.
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As a member of the Resources Committee, the Senator voted Do Pass for SB78 which provides a discount for hunting and fishing licenses for post-secondary education students. This bill was referred to the Finance Committee.
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Senator Dunbar was a sponsor and as a member of the Labor and Commerce Committee voted Do Pass for SB 88 which would reintroduce a defined benefits retirement plan. SB 88 was referred to the Finance Committee. The Senator also was a sponsor for SB 56. SB 56 would increase the amount awarded for the Alaska Performance Scholarship.
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Senator Dunbar met with the Executive Committee of the UAA Faculty and Staff Association during the fall of 2022.
Senator Bill Wielechowski
Democrat, District K
State Senator 2006-present
Senator Wielechowski continues to be supportive of UA.
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The Senate voted 20-0 for the capital budget SB57. Senator Wielechowski voted Yes on the operating budget HB53 which passed 16-4. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests. He is a co-sponsor of SB28 for a defined benefit retirement option.
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Prior Years
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During 2024, as a member of the bi-partisan majority, he voted Yes on the operating budget (HB268/HB270) which passed 17-3. The senator also voted Yes on the capital budget (SB187) on both the original senate bill and on the final vote to concur with the house amendments. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
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The senator voted Yes for SB13 (textbook costs). He voted Do Pass on SB78 which would reduce hunting license costs to out-of-state students. SB78 was killed in the senate at the end of the session. The senator was a sponsor for SB88 which would have provided certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. While SB88 passed in the senate with a vote of 12-5, it died in house.
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Senator Wielechowski voted with his senate colleagues 20-0, on HB148 which included improvements to the state’s scholarship program, TVEP Reauthorization, and continuation of the Education Tax Credit.
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During the fall of 2023, Senator Wielechowski met with the Executive Committee of the UAA Faculty and Staff Association.
Senator Wielechowski’s support of UA improved over last two years and his help with the university’s request for deferred maintenance funding is appreciated. He had a UA intern working in his office during the session.
During the 2023 session Senator Wielechowski joined his colleagues in voting for the operating and capital budgets which were favorable to UA. The budget included $6.5 million for additional compensation, an increase of $15 million in operating funds, and $39 million for deferred maintenance. He voted in favor of Senate amendment 31 ($5 million in ANSEP funding for DEED) and amendment 37 with additional funding ($5 million) for the Drone program and $500,000 for the Food Security program. Also included was $6.78 million for deferred maintenance.
The Senator voted Nay on the Confirmation of Bethany Marcum for the UA Board of Regents and voted Nay on the motion to rescind the negative vote of the joint session of 29-31. Bethany Marcum did not have a record of support for the university.
He voted for HB61 which removes the university’s ability to restrict firearms during an emergency declaration. HB61 passed the House (28-12) and the Senate (17-3) and was transmitted to the governor.
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As a member of the Resources Committee, the Senator voted Do Pass for SB78 which provides a discount for hunting and fishing licenses for post-secondary education students. This bill was referred to the Finance Committee.
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Senator Wielechowski was a sponsor of SB 88 which would reintroduce a defined benefits retirement plan. SB 88 was referred to the Finance Committee.
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Along with most of the Senate, he voted for the University Land Grant Resolution (SJR8) and for SB 36 which would require the BOR to report on teacher education. SB 36 was referred to House Education Committee. He voted for SB 32 which would expand the Alaska Middle College Program. SB 32 was referred to House Education and then on to the House State Affairs Committee. He also voted for HB 100 which provides votech funding to UA. HB 100 was signed by the governor.
Senator Kelly Merrick
Republican, District L
Representative 2018-2022
Senator 2023-present
Senator Merrick continues to be supportive of UA as a member of the Senate University of Alaska Subcommittee and as Vice-Chair of Senate Finance.
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The Senate voted 20-0 for the capital budget SB57. Senator Merrick voted Yes on the operating budget HB53 which passed 16-4. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
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Senator Merrick voted to override the governor’s veto of the education funding bill.
Prior Years
During 2024, as a member of the bi-partisan majority, she voted Yes on the operating budget (HB268/HB270) which passed 17-3. The senator also voted Yes on the capital budget (SB187) on both the original senate bill and on the final vote to concur with the house amendments. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
The senator voted Yes for SB13 (textbook costs). She voted Yes on SB78 which would reduce hunting license costs to out-of-state students. SB78 was killed in the senate at the end of the session. While the senator voted No Recommendation at the committee level, she did vote Yes for SB88 which would have provided certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. While SB88 passed in the senate with a vote of 12-5, it died in house.
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Senator Merrick voted with her senate colleagues 20-0, on HB148 which included improvements to the state’s scholarship program, TVEP Reauthorization, and continuation of the Education Tax Credit.
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During the 2023 session Senator Merrick joined her colleagues in voting for the operating and capital budgets which were favorable to UA. The budget included $6.5 million for additional compensation, an increase of $15 million in operating funds, and $39 million for deferred maintenance. She voted in favor of Senate amendment 31 ($5 million in ANSEP funding for DEED) and amendment 37 with additional funding ($5 million) for the Drone program and $500,000 for the Food Security program. Also included was $6.78 million for deferred maintenance.
The Senator voted Nay on the Confirmation of Bethany Marcum for the UA Board of Regents and voted Nay on the motion to rescind the negative vote of the joint session of 29-31. Bethany Marcum did not have a record of support for the university.
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Senator Merrick joined her colleagues in passing SB13 with a vote of 19-1. SB13 is An Act relating to costs of and charges for textbooks and other course materials required for University of Alaska courses; SB13 was transmitted to the House.
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As a sponsor, she voted for HB61 which removes the university’s ability to restrict firearms during an emergency declaration. HB61 passed the House (28-12) and the Senate (17-3) and was transmitted to the governor.
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Senator Merrick as a member of the Labor and Commerce Committee voted No Recommendation for SB 88 which would reintroduce a defined benefits retirement plan. SB 88 was referred to the Finance Committee.
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Senator Merrick met with the Executive Committee of the UAA Faculty and Staff Association during the fall of 2022.
Senator Shelley Hughes
Republican, District M
State Senator 2017-present
While Senator Hughes voted with her colleagues in passing the capital budget 20-0, she voted No on HB53 for the operating budget which passed the senate 16-4. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests. She is the sole sponsor on SB5 which relates to employee health insurance for the schools and UA. SB5 was referred to the education and labor and commerce committees.
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Senator Hughes voted to sustain the governor’s veto of HB57
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Prior Years
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During 2024 Senator Hughes voted to sustain the governor’s veto of SB 140 which provided an increase in education funding. SB 140 originally passed the senate 20-0 and the house in February, 38-2. The vote to sustain the veto during the joint session was 39-20, one vote short of the total needed to override the governor’s veto.
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As a member of the minority, she voted No on the operating budget (HB268/HB270) which passed 17-3. The senator also voted No on the capital budget (SB187) on the original senate bill and was excused for the final vote to concur with the house amendments. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
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The senator was a sponsor and voted Yes for SB13 (textbook costs). She voted Yes on SB78 which would reduce hunting license costs to out-of-state students. SB78 was killed in the senate at the end of the session. The senator voted No on SB88 which would have provided certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. While SB88 passed in the senate with a vote of 12-5, it died in house. Senator Hughes was a sponsor for SB110 (health insurance) which died in committee.
Senator Hughes voted with her senate colleagues 20-0, on HB148 which included improvements to the state’s scholarship program, TVEP Reauthorization, and continuation of the Education Tax Credit.
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While she had a UA intern working in her office, Senator Hughes’ support for UA was not visible during the 2023 session.
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During 2023, Senator Hughes voted against the operating and capital budgets which were favorable to UA. The budget included $6.5 million for additional compensation, an increase of $15 million in operating funds, and $39 million for deferred maintenance. She voted in favor of Senate amendment 31 ($5 million in ANSEP funding for DEED) but against amendment 37 with additional funding ($5 million) for the Drone program and $500,000 for the Food Security program. Also included was $6.78 million for deferred maintenance.
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The Senator spoke in favor of the Confirmation of Bethany Marcum for the UA Board of Regents and voted Yes on the confirmation and on the motion to rescind the negative vote of the joint session of 29-31. Bethany Marcum did not have a record of support for the university.
As a co-sponsor Senator Hughes joined her colleagues in passing SB13 with a vote of 19-1. SB13 is An Act relating to costs of and charges for textbooks and other course materials required for University of Alaska courses; SB13 was transmitted to the House.
As a sponsor, she voted for HB61 which removes the university’s ability to restrict firearms during an emergency declaration. HB61 passed the House (28-12) and the Senate (17-3) and was transmitted to the governor.
Senator Robert Yundt
Republican, District N
State Senator 2025-present
In his first year, Senator Yundt demonstrated some support for UA and for education. While Senator Yundt voted with his colleagues in passing the capital budget 20-0, he voted No on HB53 for the operating budget which passed the senate 16-4. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
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It is notable that Senator Yundt was the sole member of the senate minority to vote to override the governor’s veto of HB57
Senator Mike Shower
Republican, District O
State Senator 2018-present
While Senator Shower voted with his colleagues in passing the capital budget 20-0, he voted No on HB53 for the operating budget which passed the senate 16-4. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
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Senator Shower voted to sustain the governor’s veto of HB57.
Prior Years
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During 2024, Senator Shower voted to sustain the governor’s veto of SB 140 which provided an increase in education funding. SB 140 originally passed the senate 20-0 and the house in February, 38-2. The vote to sustain the veto during the joint session was 39-20, one vote short of the total needed to override the governor’s veto.
As a member of the minority, he voted No on the operating budget (HB268/HB270) which passed 17-3. The senator also voted No on the capital budget (SB187) on both the original senate bill and on the final vote to concur with the house amendments. Both the operating and capital budgets contained funding favorable to UA although falling short of the BOR budget requests.
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The senator was a sponsor and voted Yes for SB13 (textbook costs). He voted Yes on SB78 which would reduce hunting license costs to out-of-state students. SB78 was killed in the senate at the end of the session. The senator voted No for SB88 which would have provided certain employees an opportunity to choose between the defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans. While SB88 passed in the senate with a vote of 12-5, it died in house.
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Senator Shower voted with his senate colleagues 20-0, on HB148 which included improvements to the state’s scholarship program, TVEP Reauthorization, and continuation of the Education Tax Credit.
During the 2023 session, Senator Shower’s support for UA was not visible.
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Senator Shower was excused from the final votes on the operating and capital budgets which were favorable to UA. The budget included $6.5 million for additional compensation, an increase of $15 million in operating funds, and $39 million for deferred maintenance. He voted in favor of Senate amendment 31 ($5 million in ANSEP funding for DEED) but against amendment 37 with additional funding ($5 million) for the Drone program and $500,000 for the Food Security program. Also included was $6.78 million for deferred maintenance.
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The Senator spoke in favor of the Confirmation of Bethany Marcum for the UA Board of Regents and voted Yes on the confirmation and on the motion to rescind the negative vote of the joint session of 29-31. Bethany Marcum did not have a record of support for the university.
As a co-sponsor Senator Shower joined his colleagues in passing SB13 with a vote of 19-1. SB13 is An Act relating to costs of and charges for textbooks and other course materials required for University of Alaska courses; SB13 was transmitted to the House.
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He voted for HB61 which removes the university’s ability to restrict firearms during an emergency declaration. HB61 passed the House (28-12) and the Senate (17-3) and was transmitted to the governor.