AK SJR2

Urges Congress to establish a federal program to rebuild student access to public higher education in Alaska and nationwide with sufficient funding appropriations.

Proposes a "New Deal for a New Millennium for Higher Education" program that includes $70,000,000,000 in federal funding (10 percent of Wall Street bailout amount).

Requests college grants modeled after the G.I. Bill of Rights, increased Pell Grant funding for lower-income students, and student loan debt forgiveness.

Cites Alaska's educational challenges including the lowest graduation rate among 50 states for first-year students, college entrance score declines, and University of Alaska tuition increases since 2000.

Resolution to be sent to President Barack Obama, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich, and U.S. Representative Don Young.