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New cuts mean Hogan, Merrill need to fight harder
Our Opinion
Issue date: 4/7/09 Section: Commentary
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Rell had already cut 3 percent of the current fiscal year budget for Connecticut's public universities back in the fall. On April 1, Rell slashed an additional 2 percent. Under Connecticut law, the governor is authorized to cut up to 5 percent of state funding to public university budgets unilaterally (that is, without needing any legislative approval).
According to President Hogan's Chief of Staff Lisa Troyer, the additional 2 percent rescission for the fiscal year ending June 30 amounts to about $6 million in reduced funding for UConn (with less than three months to fill the cost gap). Troyer told The Daily Campus, "This isn't trivial, because most of our funding is already encumbered in obligations."
It certainly is not trivial. With thousands of students and employees dependent on a financially viable UConn, it is essential that UConn continue to receive the state funding it needs.
When asked if tuition rates may have to be increased more than already planned as a response to the additional funding cuts, Troyer responded that, "We will not be in a position to make any determinations or recommendations about future tuition levels until after we know our appropriation," which may not be clear until the General Assembly finishes the state budget in late June. Troyer added, "The only certainty we can convey right now is that President Hogan and the Board of Trustees is committed to doing everything possible to preserve the excellence of our programs at UConn and students' ability to access those programs."
With students and families in dire economic straits, it is essential that Hogan explore every possible avenue to save costs here at UConn in order to extend every tuition dollar as far as possible. Though it is admirable that Hogan wants to preserve as many programs and services as possible, Hogan must make our tuition dollars go further than ever before. That many mean that some cuts are necessary.
It is also of extreme importance that President Hogan lobby in Hartford as effectively as he can. As our advocate for funding at the state capital, President Hogan has the power to exert influence on those who fund our university.
Additionally, our local representative, Denise Merrill, chairwoman of the appropriations committee, needs to make it clear to her counterparts that UConn needs every penny. Our education, and Connecticut's future, depends upon it.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Johnny Rimples
posted 4/07/09 @ 12:14 PM EST
Why dont they just close one of the branches down? say the Torrington branch. All students who want to go to UConn Torrington can just commute to Waterbury. (Continued…)
Dr. Dave
posted 4/07/09 @ 9:47 PM EST
This perhaps rises to a new level of incompetence on the part of the Daily Crap-at-Us...
Merrill is not the chair of appropriations anymore...DUHHH!
Hogan has been downtown more than at Storrs -- and because of his efforts, the General Assembly's budget starting point puts $11-MILLION BACK in the UConn budget (changing the tide of the Governor's proposal). (Continued…)
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