Jischke to propose new budget request

Heather Mangold
City Editor

President Martin Jischke will go before the state's Ways and Means Committee today to begin the first step in the budget process for Purdue.

Jischke's first objective today will be to inform the committee that the university is aware of Indiana's rather tight financial situation.

"I realize that funds for higher education will be limited in this year's budget," said Jischke.

According to Jischke, Purdue would like to offer the committee its help and show its desire to see financial circumstances in Indiana improve.

In addition, Jischke said he would describe to the Ways and Means Committee a set of initiatives that Purdue has to take to comply with today's high educational standards.

Purdue's office of state relations plans to submit a budget request for this year's legislative term.

According to the Purdue's budget request, Jischke and Purdue's office of state relations will be requesting appropriations for millions of dollars.

Terry Strueh of Purdue state relations said, "Along with all other higher education institutions, Purdue has requested a 4 percent increase for compensation. It will compensate for salaries and benefits for Purdue staff."

The University will also request a 3 percent increase for supplies and expenses. Both requests compensate the effects of inflation over the next two years, according to Strueh.

The office of state relations has requested $4 million for a new biomedical engineering program.

"This new program will create a new undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering," Strueh said.

Purdue will also be requesting an additional $4.5 million for the department of computational sciences and $4.5 million for work in genomics and biotechnology.

The University will be requesting additional funding for other branches of the school as well. The Calumet, Fort Wayne and North Central branches will each request funds for regional workforce and economic development.

Over $10 million will be included in Purdue's requests for building repair and rehabilitation. Just under $5 million will be requested for internal utilities repair and rehabilitation.

The office of state relations will also be requesting a 3 percent increase for residential and nonresidential student fees. This increase is one of the few that match the state's budget proposal by Gov. Frank O'Bannon, according to the budget request.

"The not-so-good news is that the state's fiscal position is indicating that the state is in a pretty difficult situation," said Strueh.

Budget requests from the governor only include a one-half percent increase for budget and funding at Purdue, said Strueh. In the governor's budget proposal there will be no funding for any additional requests made by Purdue.

"It is very difficult for us to work with the reduced state appropriations. The governor's budget will have to endure the legislative process, which will include a lot of work," said Strueh.

O'Bannon's budget proposal does not match some of Purdue's proposals. The two parties differed in their recommendations for compensation for salaries and benefits, supplies and expenses, new investment increases in biomedical engineering, computational sciences, genomics and biotechnology.

"It's important that legislators and leaders realize that the governor's proposed budget would be a real set-back for the university," said Strueh.

Jischke agrees with Strueh's assertion that Purdue will struggle to meet its needs if the governor's budget proposals are enacted. Jischke said Purdue will work with the government to make improvements in education.

"It's important that we continue to invest in higher education in this state," said Jischke.

Jischke to propose new budget request

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City editor:
Heather Mangold

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Purdue Exponent 2001