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House
Panel Proposes $35M in New Funding for System
A $21.7 billion state budget issued by the House Ways and Means Committee last week calls for $34.7 million in new funding for the University system. Under the committee's plan, operating funds for the five-campus system would climb from this year's base appropriation of $455.7 million to $472.4 million, an increase of $16.7 million. The Ways and Means Committee's proposal also includes an additional $8 million in one-time funds for deferred maintenance and $10 million in endowment matching funds for the University system. Last year, the state provided $8 million in matching funds through a supplemental budget. Together, the package unveiled last week calls for a total of $490.4 million for the University, an increase of 7.6 percent. Although the University is requesting $501.8 million, an increase of 10 percent over last year, President William M. Bulger and Chancellor David Scott praised the proposed spending plan and credited House Speaker Thomas Finneran (D-Mattapan), Majority Leader William P. Nagle (D-Northampton) and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Haley (D-Weymouth) for responding to the needs of the UMass system. Bulger said the spending proposal "sends a strong message and expresses great confidence in the University." "We realize that the Legislature has a great many requests," Bulger added. "So many seek funding for so many good purposes. We therefore are particularly appreciative of this great expression of support from the House." In a separate statement, Scott said, "I am optimistic and encouraged by this very positive action on the part of the House leadership. It represents a very decent increase for the University. We are especially grateful to Speaker Finneran, Majority Leader Nagle, and Chairman Haley for their support. I believe that this budget shows that the legislature is seriously trying to help the Amherst campus. "If this forward momentum is sustained throughout the budget process, we may be able to make some modifications to our proposed budget adjustments for next year. The process is certainly unfolding in the right direction. "The deferred maintenance appropriation is particularly meaningful. If passed, it would mean that we would not have to take extra money from next year's operating budget to pay for infrastructure needs. Instead, more money could go toward the support of the academic area. "While the House has yet to complete its action and the Senate has yet to act, we expect and hope that the University will be treated well as the budget process continues. It is a long process, but we are very encouraged with today's news." The house is scheduled to begin debate of the budget on April 10. |
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