The Nebraska Legislature gave final approval Thursday to legislation that would cut $15.3 million from the University of Nebraska’s 2002-2003 appropriation.
That figure was part of compromise legislation that was reached after Gov. Mike Johanns rejected an earlier Appropriations Committee proposal to cut NU by only $10 million. The governor, in his recommendations prior to the special session, had requested that legislators cut $20 million from the university system. Johanns signed the passed legislation Thursday.
“These cuts are substantial, and UNMC won’t be immune from feeling the effects,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “We will protect the areas that have the greatest strategic importance to UNMC’s mission.
“I want to especially thank members of the Appropriation Committee who lifted up higher education as a main priority for the state during this special session. Their efforts to minimize the damage to the university are appreciated.”
On Thursday, legislators approved 20 pieces of legislation that cut $71 million from the 2002-2003 budget and provided $37 million in cash transfers and other accounting changes. The legislative action marked the third time in the past year that NU’s appropriation has been reduced.
The reductions are necessary because of a projected tax-revenue shortfall of $255 million for this fiscal year. In January 2003, during its regular session, the Legislature is expected to deal with a much bigger budget shortfall that is projected over the next three years.