University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken on Wednesday issued the statement below regarding on the two-year budget package approved by the legislature.
The biennial budget approved today by the legislature represents a timely investment in Nebraska’s economic future. I know that Gov. Heineman and members of the legislature faced difficult decisions in crafting this budget, and I want to thank them for their commitment to education and job creation even in challenging economic times. Stable state support will allow the University of Nebraska to continue to provide affordable access to high-quality education — our highest priority, which we know is shared by the governor and other state leaders. This budget also positions us to maintain our momentum in areas like enrollment growth and research.
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James B. Milliken |
This budget will represent the fourth and fifth years of essentially flat state funding, and the University of Nebraska will need to make budget reallocations this biennium in order to meet our basic obligations and invest in our priorities. Nevertheless, this budget puts the university in a stronger position than many of our peers across the country and allows us to continue to serve Nebraskans effectively through our teaching, research and outreach. I applaud Gov. Heineman and members of the legislature for recognizing the critical role the University of Nebraska plays in creating a bright future for our state.