Overview of Representative Cissna and UAA

Representative Cissna is a committed UAA supporter. She has sponsored legislation favorable to the campus and frequently speaks on our behalf. She has served on the University budget committee and consistently attends hearings in Juneau that deal with University issues. She is especially supportive of the nursing program and has worked to implement loan forgiveness programs for students who pursue careers in nursing and education in Alaska. While Representative Cissna voted against the land grant bill in 2005, she has established herself as an advocate for UAA. She received endorsements from APEA/AFT and United Academics during the 2006 election.

She attended the legislative luncheon at UAA in 2007. Representative Cissna has organized several meetings focusing on the UMED district and remaining a strong advocate for health education and student financial aid. She was endorsed by APEA/AFT in 2008.

She attended the USUAA event on campus in January 2009. Representative Cissna was a primary sponsor for HB54 which would repeal the current defined contribution retirement plans. She was also a cosponsor of SB221 which establishes the Alaska Merit Scholarship program. SB221 was approved and forwarded to the Governor. Representative Cissna was endorsed by APEA during the 2010 General Election. In 2010 and 2011, Representative Cissna voted for the floor amendment to increase the UA budget. The amendment did not pass. Representative Cissna continues to be supportive and engaged with UAA.