UNI Legislative Update
The Office of Governmental Relations provides legislative updates to the campus community through online communication and bimonthly campus presentations. These updates will inform faculty, staff and students of hot topics facing the legislature and legislative actions affecting UNI and the Regents institutions.
February 14, 2008
Legislative leaders release budget targets
Happy Valentine's Day. Today, the leaders in the Iowa Senate and House of Representatives released their joint budget targets. As far as UNI is concerned, we are mostly pleased with the target, but we recognize that it is a very tight budget year.
The budget target for the Education Appropriation Subcommittee is roughly $1.2 billion. I know, I know... that is a lot of money! But, considering that the majority state's educational budget is included in that figure, the pie is divided up very quickly.
Given that scenario, we need UNITE's help in making sure the Regent's share of the budget remains at the forefront of the legislature's mind. One can start by contacting your local elected represenative and senator and conveying to them the importance of fully funding the Regents request.
In about two or three weeks, we will have a better idea of what the budget target specifically for UNI and the rest of the Regent universities will be. Be sure to check back here periodically as the session is about to kick in to high gear! As always, remember to email me or any of the staff members with questions.
Tips on contacting your elected offical