Indiana to experience decrease
in funding
By Heather Mangold
City
Editor
Indiana will receive $923 million less than what
was originally predicted in funding for the next two years, according
to fiscal numbers released on Thursday.
Released figures are sufficiently less than the
projected amount determined last December, affecting all aspects of
Indiana's economy.
Terry Strueh, vice president of state relations
at Purdue, said the good news is that new numbers suggest there is only
room for improvement for higher education.
"Funding levels for higher education in Indiana
are currently at rock bottom," said Strueh.
This funding status is a result of the lack of
fiscal growth that was reported for this year. The fiscal numbers released
Thursday indicated that Indiana should anticipate zero growth for the
rest of this fiscal year, which lasts from now until June 30.
Following this year, Indiana should expect a 4.2
percent increase for the first year of the upcoming two year session.
This increase would mean that Indiana revenue would increase by $387
million. In the second year, a 4.6 percent increase is to be expected,
providing Indiana with an additional $441 million. However, these increases
are less than those projected for Indiana in December. As a result,
lawmakers will have to work to downsize previously approved spending
programs.
Strueh said all those concerned with Purdue's financial
standing should contact legislators to voice their opinion. He plans
to influence lawmakers to raise higher education funding by emphasizing
two main objectives.
The first is compensation for staff and faculty
at Purdue. The second is capital; Purdue would like to incorporate new
facilities within the University including a new computer science building
as well as new engineering facilities.
Committees consisting of members of both the House
and Senate will now review versions of the state budget and try to reconcile
differences. The Senate budget presented to the General Assembly would
increase funding for higher education by roughly three percent. The
House version would give higher education nearly a four percent increase.
The committees have until April 29 to reach an agreement before Gov.
Frank O'Bannon steps in to determine a final version.
"I think this sets the stage for the legislature
to get very serious for what this budget is going to look like," said
Strueh.
Strueh said the committees would begin discussions
early next week.
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