The University of Minnesota asked the legislature for $221.5 million in state funds this year. Of this, $150 million would be used to strengthen the University’s foundation, to keep its quality from eroding. A standard 3 percent cost of living allowance for faculty and staff is included in this amount, as is $58 million the University must pay for double-digit increases in employee health insurance premiums. The money would also improve undergraduate education, erase the Medical School deficit, and provide support for technology, libraries, and facilities.

The balance of the money, $71.5 million, is needed to support initiatives that invest in the future of Minnesota and fuel a healthy economy —one of these is education for badly needed health care professionals for the state.

Governor Ventura has recommended $56.6 million for the University—the third lowest appropriation for the University in a nonrecession year since 1945. This entire amount won’t even cover the rise in employee health insurance costs. President Yudof considers this proposal “a personal disappointment and a major step backward.”

The governor thinks that the University can function well with the amount he recommends if it couples that money with belt-tightening and program cuts. But President Yudof believes such a view is “short-sighted” and that, without the money the University requested, “all the gains we have made together will be lost.”

If you support the University, it is imperative that you contact your representative and senator now and tell them how you feel. If you want a world-class university that cares for the people of this state and educates Minnesota’s next generation of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, artists, and entrepreneurs, your legislators must know this. If you believe that this University can strengthen and encourage the flourishing of the state’s economy, you’ve got to make your voice heard. If you think that education is more important than tax cuts, call your legislators.


Get more info To find your legislators, visit www.umn.edu/govrel and click on District Finder.

Get more info For more on the University’s budget request, see www.umn.edu/request.

Get more info To join the Legislative Network, a grassroots lobbying group of more than 3,000 alumni, staff, faculty, and students, visit www.umaa.umn.edu/legislative or call 612-624-2323.