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The University of Alaska could lay off more than 1,000 people and remove dozens of programs, thanks to a dramatic reduction in monies received from the state – a 41% reduction on a veto relating to an individual post from the Governor of Alaska, Mike Dunleavy.

University officials estimate $ 130 million cut could be disastrous for Alaska's future, putting local economies, school staff and rural programs for Aboriginal students at risk 'Alaska. They pleaded with the Legislature to cancel the veto at a vote Wednesday, but say they have little hope that will happen.

Observers of higher education have closely followed the fight in Alaska. For some, the budget cuts represent an attack on the value of the college.

On June 28, Republican Dunleavy vetoed a budget of more than $ 400 million in the Alaska budget, seeking to balance it. One-third of the reductions come from higher education spending.

Alaska oil production and world oil prices have declined in recent years. The state has therefore used billions of savings to balance its budget. But he is short of money.

"Everyone can clearly see that the state of Alaska can no longer afford to continue in the path of oversized spending, oversized government and outsized priorities," Dunleavy said in a speech from June 28th. "These are difficult times that require difficult decisions."

In this archival photo, Mike Dunleavy, then a candidate for governorship, attends a meeting in a church in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo: AP)

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Chancellor Cathy Sandeen of the University of Alaska in Anchorage predicts about 700 layoffs and 40 programs eliminated if the legislature fails to cancel Dunleavy's veto on Wednesday. The UAA employs 1,562 people and has 162 degree and certificate programs.

Higher education activists have warned that cuts could send Alaska's brightest students out of the country. The UAA will try to maintain programs related to jobs in demand, such as health care, business, engineering and aviation, Sandeen said.

"It is clear that voters and our elected officials want the university system to be smaller," she said. "It's our job if we do not receive the waiver, it's to find a way to maintain the highest level of quality and the best level of access for our students in a smaller environment."

Chancellor Dan White, from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, said the cuts went far beyond the classroom. While White said that the Arctic research program on campus would suffer, the most significant impacts could be on the role that UAF plays in the local community.

One of the hundreds of millions of dollars that the university spends each year, "the biggest part goes to the local community, in the form of salaries, property taxes and contracts with companies" said White. "Not only do people attach importance to education for their children and for themselves, but they also attach importance to the university for their activities and to the children. 39, economy of the region. "

Fairbanks is Alaska's third-largest city, but its relatively isolated location is invaluable for contact with rural Alaskan populations.

Evon Peter manages the six campuses of the University of Alaska community, Fairbanks Satellite Schools, in some of the most remote areas of the vast state, serving a large number of Aboriginal students – and two-thirds of his students. geography.

"These cuts will have a disproportionate impact on Alaska native and rural students, as well as low-income and first-generation college students," said Peter. The college may need to remove programs and services for students and even close some of its remote campuses.

"We have a lot to lose if the legislature does not cancel the governor's veto," said Peter.

On the Fairbanks campus, White said he expected "significant cuts" in programs and a drop in the number of registrations, but claimed that the university would work with existing students to obtain their degree.

The university system in Alaska has already suffered budget cuts due to the changing nature of its economy. So while the Legislature might attempt to cancel the latest cuts Wednesday, Alaska University officials are prepared for the worst.

"Although we are still optimistic about the Governor's veto waiver, there is a strong possibility that this will not happen," Sandeen said. "We'll do our best to mitigate the effects, and it's always a good place, we'll trim the limbs to keep the other strong."

"In reality, it's hard to stay positive as we wait to see what the Legislature will do," said Robbie Graham, spokesman for the university system. "The autumn semester beginning in about four weeks, students must know what the university will look like in the future."

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