U of Minnesota President Bruininks: Gov's budget is welcome news
Got this from the University of Minnesota this afternoon -- President Robert Bruininks' reaction to Gov. Mark Dayton’s proposed biennial budget, which was released today:
"The proposed budget announced this morning by Gov. Dayton is welcome news, particularly as it follows very deep reductions in state funding to the University in the past two years that effectively rolled back the University’s state appropriation to levels last seen in 2001.
The Governor’s proposed funding level for the University means we will be able to hold any tuition increase for Minnesota students for the upcoming academic year at a very modest amount necessary to cover inflation. This lower tuition level will protect students and their families first, while we continue the hard work to cut our expenses and balance the University’s budget.
However, the University will still need to do significant internal budget reductions and will need to forgo a salary increase for the upcoming fiscal year. A pay freeze for the first year of the biennium will help prevent lay-offs of the talented faculty and staff that are critically needed to deliver an affordable, quality education, support research, and preserve our outreach mission.
While the announcement today certainly brings some good news, deeper cuts on the University from the Legislature will have a dramatic impact on the University’s ability to provide an affordable, quality education, avoid deep, unplanned job losses, and continue to fulfill its unique role to the citizens of Minnesota.”
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