Legislature’s Appropriations Committee enters critical deliberations

Members of the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee currently are deciding what changes to make in their preliminary budget recommendations.

Those initial recommendations include a 1.5 percent increase for the University of Nebraska.

“We appreciate the committee’s understanding of the critical role the University of Nebraska plays in the lives of Nebraskans,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “Yet, we respectfully have asked them to invest more than a 1.5 percent increase in order to guarantee a strong future for this state and its residents.”

The committee is entering a critical period of deliberations. The economic downturn has led to shortfalls in the state’s revenue projections. On the other hand, the state has built a considerable “rainy day” fund and recently received federal stimulus funds.

“We know that a well-educated health professional workforce is critical to this state’s future. And we know that the committee members want to do as much as possible to help the university.” Bob Bartee

Nebraska is one of a handful of states that has weathered national economic storms without experiencing considerable harm.

“Our momentum at UNMC towards reaching world class status is tremendous,” Dr. Maurer said. “We want to sustain that progress and minimize any adverse affects from potential budget reductions.”

The committee’s proposed increase of 1.5 percent still leaves a universitywide gap of more than $40 million over the next two years according to University President James B. Milliken, who addressed the committee at a recent hearing. This gap only can be made up through a combination of program cuts, lost jobs or tuition increases.

“Supporters of UNMC who are concerned about its future may want to contact members of the committee during the next week,” said Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external affairs. “Employees who do so simply need to courteously ask that the committee consider investing more than the currently proposed 1.5 percent.”

Bartee added that employees need to briefly and simply state what this additional investment will mean to students, patients and all Nebraskans.

“We know that a well-educated health professional workforce is critical to this state’s future,” Bartee said. “And we know that the committee members want to do as much as possible to help the university.”

Employees and students who want to share these concerns with state senators must do so on their own time and without using university resources. A list of “Do’s and Don’t’s” in contacting elected officials can be found by clicking here.

Click here to contact members of the Appropriations Committee.