Final recommendations released May 2 by the Nebraska Legislature’s budget-writing committee for 2019-21 virtually match the funding request made by the University of Nebraska last fall.
The budget package advances to the full Legislature for consideration before a final budget is delivered to Gov. Pete Ricketts’ desk. Legislative debate is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. May 8.
Hank Bounds, NU president, praised appropriations committee members for developing a forward-thinking budget that prioritizes education and economic growth. The committee is led by Chair John Stinner of Scottsbluff, and Vice Chair Kate Bolz of Lincoln.
The recommended budget funds NU’s request for state funding increases of 3 percent in 2019-20 and 3.7 percent in 2020-21. The increases do not completely meet the university’s need, Bounds said, but the total represents a critical investment in core areas of operations, utilities, salaries and health insurance.
“Chair Stinner, Vice Chair Bolz and the appropriations committee deserve a great deal of credit for their leadership in making affordable, quality higher education a priority for Nebraska,” Bounds said. “The final budget by the committee will keep tuition affordable for 52,000 University of Nebraska students. It positions us to continue to address the urgent workforce challenges facing our state. And, it will help the university turn the corner after several difficult budget years.
“I’m grateful to the committee for its foresight in building on the positive first steps taken by Gov. Ricketts, and I look forward to the full Legislature’s consideration in the weeks ahead.”
Bounds also credited students, faculty and staff who helped advocate for the university, through testimony or meetings with state senators, social media posts, and engagement in the University of Nebraska Advocates program. Stories shared by members of the university community about NU’s work and impact have made a compelling case to policymakers about the vital role of higher education in individual and economic growth, he said.
Testimony from students, business leaders, the agricultural community and others at NU’s March 4 Appropriations Committee hearing was especially powerful, Bounds said, as were the personal conversations that students and supporters had with senators at the university’s annual “I Love NU” Advocacy Day on March 27.
The upcoming budget debate will be streamed live online. Students, faculty and staff can learn more about the NU Advocates program and how to contact state senators here.
