Overview of Representative Gara and UAA
Representative Gara was a supporter of the 2004 budget deal in the House that helped University funding. He was a key participant at a conference in Juneau with UA students that dealt with University issues. Representative Gara appears to be increasing his visibility on University issues in the legislature. His leadership with needs based scholarships is to be commended. He received endorsement from APEA/AFT during the 2006 election. Attended legislative luncheon at UAA in 2006. During the 2008 session, he introduced an amendment for $3.7 million for UA’s staff step increases. He was endorsed by United Academics AAUP/AFT and APEA/AFT in 2008. In 2009 Representative Gara supported the university as a member of the House Finance Committee. He remains an advocate for student scholarships and was a co-sponsor of HB94 for post secondary scholarships. Representative Gara also was a primary sponsor for HB54 and a co-sponsor for HB30 which would repeal the current defined contribution retirement plans. .