Bill O’Neill UNMC public affairs

Lawmakers approve appropriations cut to NU

The Nebraska Legislature gave final approval Thursday to legislation that would cut $15.3 million from the University of Nebraska’s 2002-2003 appropriation.

Aug 16, 2002

Appropriations Committee recommendation ‘fair’ to university

The Nebraska Legislature could begin debate this afternoon on a proposal that would not cut as much from the University of Nebraska’s budget allocation as had been proposed.

Members of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee advanced a measure Wednesday evening that would reduce the university’s allocation by $10 million. Gov. Mike Johanns had proposed that $20 million be cut from the university’s budget.

Aug 8, 2002

Physician-scientist joins National Cancer Advisory Board

President George W. Bush has appointed Kenneth Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, as a member of the National Cancer Advisory Board.

Jul 29, 2002

Dr. Smith: NU faces tough choices –part 5 of 5

In July, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved a resolution, supporting NU President L. Dennis Smith to search for inter-campus inefficiencies in the NU system.

Part of the resolution’s message was clear: to the maximum extent possible, efforts to reduce costs and improve the use of existing resources should be accomplished through “vertical,” program-eliminating cuts rather than across-the-board, “horizontal” cuts.

Jul 29, 2002

Legislators face many options during session — part 4 of 5

On Tuesday, Nebraska lawmakers will convene for a special session at the state’s Capitol.

The Legislature’s sole purpose: to cut the state’s budget. Lawmakers will address a $255 million revenue shortfall that exists over the current two-year biennium, which ends June 30, 2003. In addition, another $500 million shortfall is projected over the fiscal years 2003-2004 and 2004-2005. (See story for NU President L. Dennis Smith’s statement regarding Gov. Johanns proposed budget cuts).

Jul 26, 2002

Many factors led to state’s budget crisis — part 3 of 5

Taxation structural imbalance. Economic recession. Sept. 11th.

Combined, these factors led to a downturn in the state of Nebraska’s revenue and, ultimately, a special Legislative budget-cutting session that will begin next week.

Jul 25, 2002

University’s appropriation hasn’t kept pace with general fund increases – part 2 of 5

During the past 14 years, the state of Nebraska’s general fund budget has increased by 125 percent.

Yet, the University of Nebraska’s allocation from the state general fund grew by only 77 percent.

Meanwhile, state aid to individuals and others rose more than 204 percent; state aid to local governments rose more than 126 percent; and the allocation to state agencies, excluding the University of Nebraska, was more than 100 percent.

Jul 24, 2002

University budget will be one focus of July special session — part 1 of 5

Editor’s note: This article is the first in a five-part series that will try to explain the UNMC budget and its relationship to a legislative special session that will take place later this month.

If UNMC’s budget were a Thanksgiving pie, the revenue provided by the state of Nebraska wouldn’t supply even a third of the ingredients.

Yet, there’s no doubt that a severe reduction in state support would change the flavor of the campus.

Jul 23, 2002

Week provides American Indian youths with college-like experience

Almost 50 American Indian middle school students were exposed to college life and many health career opportunities recently, thanks to professionals at Little Priest Tribal College, Wayne State College and UNMC.

Students from Winnebago and Walthill public schools and the St. Augustine Indian Mission in Winnebago attended a five-day college experience at Wayne State College from June 10-14.

Jul 2, 2002

UNMC is site for U.S. House Subcommittee Field Hearing

UNMC will serve as the site to a Congressional subcommittee field hearing on Wednesday, July 3. The hearing will focus on the federal government’s effectiveness in helping state and local authorities with bioterrorism preparedness. Two UNMC faculty members are among the 11 scheduled testifiers for Wednesday’s hearing.

Jul 2, 2002