Legislators Matter to UMass Amherst

Why are legislators important to UMass?
Each year the legislature votes to fund all of state government, including the university, through a "budget appropriation."

The Legislature funds the University.
In current fiscal year 2011, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts provided more than $200 million in income to the University of Massachusetts Amherst – more than any other single source. This state funding provides the same level of support that the University would earn from an endowment of $8 billion, and is the major source of support for campus facilities and operations.

Tell the story.
State legislators vote on hundreds of bills every year. They listen to their constituents' views in order to represent them, and they use your insights to form opinions and positions on the issues before them.

The five campus UMass system is primarily funded as a single entity. The University’s line item number in the state budget is 7100-0200.

Unlike the state and community colleges, the University campuses do not have separate line items.

Referencing the line item numbers for the UMass system assists your legislators in their response to your inquiry and advocacy.

The Budget Context for UMass Amherst
Currently, the campus is facing a possible $50 million budget deficit, severely affecting campus operations. Further reductions will jeopardize the university's ability to recover and regain its forward momentum once the economy improves. Chancellor Robert Holub has established a budget web site to update the community on the impact of the budget cuts and to solicit ideas and feedback.

Make the Case for UMass
Although the state is responsible for providing baseline support to the university to fuel its operations and capital infrastructure, it is incumbent upon us to do all we can to work responsibly with the legislature and the Governor to navigate this current economic climate.

The Commonwealth must be proactive in including the public research university with its core mission of research, teaching and learning in its overall goals of directing the state’s path through this economic situation and the eventual recovery.

Investing in UMass Amherst is an investment in our best selves to fuel the future for economic development, workforce development, as we create real solutions, to real problems, in real time.

Thank you for your UMass Amherst Advocacy.