University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds, Ph.D., Board of Regents Chairman Tim Clare and other supporters of the university will be among those testifying before the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee at NU’s budget hearing on Monday, March 4.
Members of the university community and public are welcome at the hearing, which begins at 1:30 p.m. in Room 1524 of the State Capitol. It is the university’s opportunity to make a case for the two-year budget request approved last August by the Board of Regents.
Gov. Pete Ricketts has recommended funding NU’s request for increases for salaries, benefits and health insurance. Utilities and other operational costs are not funded in the governor’s proposed budget. The university’s request, even if fully funded, would still require reductions and consideration of a tuition increase, given that it does not cover all the university’s core needs.
The Appropriations Committee will soon release its own proposal prior to agency hearings and potential revisions. The committee will then advance a final recommendation to the full legislature for debate before a budget package is returned to the governor for his consideration.
“We’re looking forward to having a conversation with the committee about the vital role the University of Nebraska plays in educating the future workforce and creating economic growth in communities across our state,” Dr. Bounds said. “Our goal is to send a powerful message about how much Nebraskans care about their university and continued affordable excellence for our 52,000 students.
“I’m hopeful policymakers will find a way to make the university a priority for Nebraska.”
For those unable to attend the hearing in person, legislative activities are streamed live online at NET here.
University supporters are also invited to sign up to be an NU Advocate. Advocates receive regular updates about the university’s legislative priorities and tips on how and when to get engaged.
Finally, university supporters are encouraged to mark their calendars for the second annual “I Love NU” Advocacy Day, which is March 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Capitol. The event is an opportunity for Nebraskans to show their support for the university and visit with state senators about why they think higher education is important. Further details for faculty, staff and students interested in attending will be forthcoming.