Dear Colleagues:
Please find attached Gov budget highlights-12_19_11 a summary report on the Governor’s budget recommendations related to higher education and the University of Mary Washington. The Governor’s budget will be considered by the 2012 General Assembly, which convenes on January 11, 2012 and, as such, is subject to change through the legislative process.
Overall, the Governor’s budget is very favorable to higher education through its support of goals identified in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011 (TJ21). We are very appreciative of the Governor’s support for higher education and are grateful to see new funding after several years of declining state support.
Please keep in mind, however, that our biggest budget challenge for next year is to find a permanent replacement for the federal stimulus funds that were provided on a temporary basis to help mitigate the impact of significant reductions in State funding. Beyond any State mandated use requirements in the final state budget, new funding will first be allocated to balance our operating budget. Simply put, funds that are not State restricted for specific uses, will be directed to fill the gap in the University’s budget left by the loss of federal stimulus funds. In so doing, we will establish a solid financial foundation for building support and continued development of our strategic plan in the ensuing years.
As a result, Vice Presidents and budget managers will not be asked to submit proposals for new or expanded programs that require new funds in the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013).
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or Paul Messplay, Executive Director for Budget and Analysis.
As President Hurley has said many times, the effort and performance of our faculty and staff continues to be outstanding in spite of the limited resources available to all of us. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
With best wishes and hopes for the New Year.
Rick
