December 9, 1997

Dear Faculty Colleague,

The 1998 Legislature will mark a turning point for the University of Minnesota. The University has gathered considerable momentum during the past year. Together, we in the University community have recruited and installed a new President; built a spirit of cooperation among faculty, staff, students, administration, Regents and friends of the University; and developed a coordinated programmatic and building plan to carry the University into the 21st Century. Governor Arne Carlson and the Minnesota Legislature have already responded positively to the University's initiatives with a substantial increase in the biennial State support for the University's operating budget.

During the past year, Minnesota's people have been highly productive, in part because of the State's past investments in public education. Tom Stinson, the State economist, has recently predicted an additional $1.3 billion surplus in State revenues for the current biennium. The question which the Governor and Legislature will decide during the next several months is what level Minnesota will re-invest a portion of its recent dividend back into education. Of course, we in the University community have a particular interest in how strongly the State will insure its social and economic future by increasing its support of the land-grant, research University of Minnesota.

The University's request to the 1998 Legislature has two principal parts, both of which have received support from Governor Carlson.

1. The University is requesting $249 million of capital bonding funds for the first part of a coordinated six-year plan to preserve the University's historic campus legacy, provide facilities in support of the University's programmatic initiatives and address pressing needs including a Library in Duluth, a Science Classroom Building in Morris and continued updating at Crookston. The size of this request is substantial, but the full $249 million is important for the University to adequately support the needs of the State for a vital 21st Century society and economy.

2. The University is requesting $41 million of additional biennial operating funds to support the faculty salary initiative, recruit and start up new faculty and implement a quick upgrade of instructional classrooms. These items, particularly the three-year faculty salary initiative, are vital to Governor Carlson and President Mark Yudof's drive to place the University among the top 5 public research universities in the United States. Although the Legislature was generous to the University last year, this $41 million will provide the quantum difference between a leap ahead and a slow, incremental approach to greatness.

What can you do?

First, contact your own Minnesota Senator and Representative and let them know that you support investments in public higher education and the University of Minnesota, and that the full "249 and 41" are compelling investments for the people of Minnesota. You can obtain the names of your members of the Legislature and contact information by typing your home address into the web site http://www.pioneerplanet.com/archive/capitol/index.htm

Second, if you have a good relationship with one or more members of the Legislature and would be willing to contact those people in support of the University, please let me know as soon as possible either by telephone (612)-624-1312, email marshak@mailbox.mail.umn.edu or mail at 311 Physics, 116 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis 55455.

Third, if you would be willing to host a "coffee" in your home for your local legislators and other faculty members, please let me know as soon as possible. I will be pleased to help with the arrangements and the main commitment on your part is to provide a place.

The key time to influence Legilsative action is January and early February. Once the New Year starts, contact your legislators early and often. I would be pleased to respond to questions or provide assistance in making contacts.

Marvin L. Marshak
Legislative Liaison for the Faculty Consultative Committee