UMass Amherst Chancellor Subbaswamy Praises Proposed House Budget that Boosts Investment in Higher Education

AMHERST, Mass. – UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy today praised House legislative leaders for their proposed state budget, which provides $39 million in additional funding for UMass and places the university on the path to a 50-50 funding formula and a freeze on tuition and fees.

 

“Investing in public higher education brings extraordinary returns in an increasingly competitive, international marketplace,” said Subbaswamy. “This budget supports the vital need of ensuring a high-quality, affordable education for UMass students.”

 

Subbaswamy praised the commitment of House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brian Dempsey in making public higher education a top priority in this year’s budget. The chancellor also emphasized the importance of UMass Amherst’s core delegation in shaping the budget. “Ways and Means Vice Chairman Stephen Kulik and Representatives Peter Kocot, John Scibak and Ellen Story have been outstanding advocates,” Subbaswamy said, “as have been our many alumni and other supporters in the House.”

 

Currently, the state provides 43 percent of the cost to educate a student with students providing 57 percent. The university has proposed, under the leadership of President Robert Caret, that funding to reach the 50-50 formula could be phased in over a two-year period given the state’s fiscal challenges. In exchange, the university’s Board of Trustees has pledged to approve a two-year freeze in tuition and fees. Part of the university’s success in managing costs is an ongoing efficiencies program that has yielded more than $100 million to date with additional savings expected.