Gov. Pete Ricketts on Wednesday signed the state budget package approved by the legislature with no vetoes. Under the budget, the University of Nebraska’s funding will be reduced about $11 million in the current year, and next year’s appropriation will be cut about $6 million.
An original proposal had called for a $23 million cut to NU for 2018-19.
President Hank Bounds, Ph.D., issued the following statement thanking the many Nebraskans who have spoken out in support of the university over the past few months:
“This budget puts the University of Nebraska in a much better place than where we were a few months ago. I am extraordinarily grateful to the thousands of students, faculty and staff, business and agricultural leaders, and Nebraskans across this state who have lifted up their voices for an affordable, competitive public university that transforms lives and grows the economy. The chancellors and I are humbled by their support.
“Chairman Stinner and members of the Appropriations Committee showed great leadership and vision in making our 53,000 students and all of higher education a priority. I thank them and the full legislature for their hard work in navigating a difficult budget while also maintaining their investment in one of Nebraska’s most important economic engines: the University of Nebraska. Because of them, the long partnership between the state and its university will continue.
“The university still faces a significant budget challenge that will require difficult decisions. Together with the Board of Regents, the chancellors and I will be working hard in the near future to finalize our strategies for closing the gap. Most importantly, we’re excited to join with our many partners on a plan to grow our state for the future.”
Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Omaha and UNMC, echoed Dr. Bounds’ sentiments.
“The university values its partnership with the state of Nebraska,” Dr. Gold said. “Nebraskans have continually shown that they value higher education and their academic medical center. This outcome reflects my ongoing visits across our 500-mile campus. Nebraskans wish to see our university continue on its trajectory of growth and success. It is a critically important partnership to build our future.”