Capitol Report: February 27, 2026
February 27, 2026
UA House Finance Subcommittee, Led by Rep. Galvin, Nears Wrap-Up; UA Officials and Advocates Encourage Stability; Higher Education Investment Fund (HEIF) Replenishment Remains in Supplemental Budget Package
As the UA House Finance Subcommittee winds down, committee members heard more about public safety and student mental health requests on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. In addition, “filling workforce need” was discussed, with an emphasis on training future educators.
Concurrently, lawmakers were visited by students, faculty, and staff from across the University of 91ֱsystem this week. UA advocates met with legislators to talk about the importance of stable state support for the university, which includes fully funding compensation for all UA employees, addressing rising fixed costs and deferred maintenance needs, expanding student mental health services, and repaying the Higher Education Investment Fund (HEIF) to protect student scholarships.
UA House Finance Subcommittee Scheduled to Close-out on Monday, March 2, 2026
The UA has been working very closely with Rep. Galvin’s office throughout the duration of the subcommittee process in the House. Her leadership, even in a very tight budget scenario, has been appreciated by all. Her passion for young people and educators in 91ֱis well known!
Higher Education Investment Fund (HEIF) Remains in Supplemental Budget Package, Debates About Long Term Funding Remain
The $129.6 million the governor put forward to repay the HEIF was part of the supplemental budget package that the House voted on earlier this week when was on the floor. 24 out of 40 total House members voted in favor of accessing the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund (CBR) (which requires a ¾ vote, or 30 out of 40, for access). So, at this time, there was not enough support to access the CBR, although the components of HB289 remain and move forward in the legislative process.
HB 289 has now been sent to the Senate, where senators will have the opportunity to consider and vote on the bill. If the Senate makes changes to the bill, it will be sent back to the House for another vote.
Replenishing the HEIF for long term sustainability continues to be a major priority for university stakeholders across Alaska, including students who rely on those funds to pay for their education. UA will continue emphasizing the importance of making this fund whole as the legislative session progresses.
UA Lands Director Stolpe in Juneau for High Level Meetings as State Processes Outstanding University Land Grant Allotments
UA Land Management Director Adrienne Stolpe met with the Department of Natural Resource leadership and key legislators about State fulfillment of the outstanding 360,000 acres due to the UA to fulfill its land grant allotment. The timing is important. Efforts now are critical to ensure year-end deadlines are met, as required by the allowing the land transfers.
UA Leaders, Including Students and Faculty Alliance, in Juneau
ANSEP 30th Anniversary Honored by Senator Dunbar
Senator Dunbar recognized the 30th anniversary of the 91ֱNative Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) with a legislative honorarium, which was also co-sponsored by Senator Hoffman and Representative Dibert. Senator Dunbar presented the honorary citation at the ANSEP Building on the UAA campus last Friday, where dozens of students, staff, and faculty gathered to celebrate ANSEP’s success.
Senator Olson Hosts ANSEP Lunch & Learn
ANSEP leaders, alumni, and students were in the Capitol this week, meeting with legislators, and providing an informational Lunch and Learn hosted by Senator Olson on Thursday. Lunch and Learn attendees heard about the opportunities offered by the ANSEP program, which supports student success all the way from kindergarten through PhDs. A recording of the Lunch and Learn presentation can be viewed on
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