February 15, 2008
UMS warns against budget cuts
The chancellor of the University of Maine System has spoken out against university cuts suggested by Governor John Baldacci as part of the solution to mend the state's $95 million revenue shortfall.
Richard Pattenaude told the Legislature's Education Committee yesterday that a $7.1 million reduction to the university system's appropriation for fiscal year 2009, which begins July 1, would "have significant negative consequences." Besides impacting students, he pointed out that Maine's economy would lose $56.7 million in economic activity, based on a return of $8.10 for every $1 of state appropriated funds.
He also argued that the last two appropriations for the university increased its budget by 5% in FY08 and 2.2% in FY09, which were below the university system's request and will create an $8 million budget hole next fiscal year.
If the proposed cuts go into effect, they would double the system's forecasted budget hole, and Pattenaude says UMS might have to raise tuitions, reduce the workforce or suspend or cut courses.
Richard Pattenaude told the Legislature's Education Committee yesterday that a $7.1 million reduction to the university system's appropriation for fiscal year 2009, which begins July 1, would "have significant negative consequences." Besides impacting students, he pointed out that Maine's economy would lose $56.7 million in economic activity, based on a return of $8.10 for every $1 of state appropriated funds.
He also argued that the last two appropriations for the university increased its budget by 5% in FY08 and 2.2% in FY09, which were below the university system's request and will create an $8 million budget hole next fiscal year.
If the proposed cuts go into effect, they would double the system's forecasted budget hole, and Pattenaude says UMS might have to raise tuitions, reduce the workforce or suspend or cut courses.
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