UA's Chancellor Addresses Legislative Breakfast

UA System Chancellor Malcolm Portera recently addressed UA's Legislative Agenda breakfast meeting to update the group on the status of Legislative activities affecting UA's faculty and staff. In stressing the importance of UA's being well represented at Higher Education Day in Montgomery, Portera said that large numbers of UA faculty, staff and students make a difference in the strength of UA's, and all of higher ed's, voice. Two legislative issues were discussed: The budget request for the next fiscal year and the Board of Trustees' nominations before the Alabama Senate for confirmation.

The unified budget request, which is reflected in the Governor's budget submitted to the Legislature, asks that funding be adequate for covering the increased cost to the Alabama Teachers Retirement System; that it provide funding for a four percent compensation increase; and that it cover the increased cost of health insurance for retirees (PEEHIP). A supplemental budget request is asking that the higher ed institutions be reimbursed for past payments to PEEHIP.

Portera warned of a developing fight between that request and the request submitted on behalf of the Alabama Education Association, which represents K-12 and which is headed by Executive Secretary Paul Hubbert. Hubbert is demanding a seven percent raise for teachers only, not including other education employees. That demand would be based on diverting money, upwards of $70 million, OUT OF the Education Trust Fund, which is a "protected" fund from which all of education is funded.

Portera urged attendees to let their legislative delegations know that supporting The University of Alabama System's needs and decisions is important to voters all over the state, which includes supporting nominees that the Board has put forward. He emphasized that higher ed has a tough fight ahead and participation in the process is critical. For more information, go to the Government Relations home page at www.governmentrelations.ua.edu.

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