Overview of Senator French and UAA

Senator French was first elected in 2002 and talked positively about higher education during the legislative session. In 2005 and 2006, Senator French supported the budget bill that was favorable to the University. He was active with the Anchorage caucus.

In 2007 Senator French was very supportive introducing a funding amendment for UA. He is committed to the long term goal of a first rate University of Alaska. He met with the UAA Faculty and Staff Association’s executive committee in 2007.

In 2008 he helped with the capital budget and with funding for the Health Sciences Building and Sports Complex. Senator French was endorsed by APEA/AFT in 2008. Senator French was a cosponsor for SB23 which would repeal the current defined contribution retirement plans. Senator French attended the 2009 USUAA luncheon. Senator French was a cosponsor of SB206 for $50 million each for new engineering buildings at UAA and UAF Senator French is an inaugural member of the UA Boosters Caucus.

Senator French gave public testimony at the November 2010 UA Board of Regents meeting emphasizing his support for the University. In 2011, Senator French was a member of the Education Committee. As a member of the Education Committee Senator French voted for SB107 which appropriates funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF.