Gov. Bob Ehrlich announced today that the University System of Maryland will receive $800 million in state funding in fiscal year 2006 — $43 million and 5.7 percent more than in fiscal year 2005, and enough to keep the system’s expected tuition hike less than 6 percent.
“I am delighted that the Governor has recognized our accomplishments and is providing this substantial boost,” system Chancellor Brit Kirwan said in a press release.
The swell in funding comes at a time when higher education is already a hot issue in Annapolis, as higher education officials are gaining steam in lobbying for an override of House Bill 1188, vetoed by Ehrlich in June but on the table again in the legislature on Tuesday. The bill would ensure system funding increases and cap tuition increases to 5 percent for the next three years.
Kraus was giddy at Ehrlich’s announcement but is still planning to participate in lobbying efforts in Annapolis next week to garner enough votes for the override.
“This [increase in funding] is good news, and if 1188 is overridden, it’s great news,” Kraus said.
System officials, however, seemed to disagree, as both system Chancellor Brit Kirwan and Board of Regents Chairman Cliff Kendall urged the General Assembly to “set aside” discussion of an override and approve Ehrlich’s budget.
The regents have been eager to reverse the damages of severe budget cuts in recent years and to keep next year’s tuition increase in single digits. Kirwan previously told The Diamondback a budget increase of $35 million would keep the tuition hike at 5 percent and recognized an override of HB1188 would also be an opportunity.
“[The General Assembly’s] actions will be somewhat guided by the size of the appropriation the governor hopefully makes for us,” Kirwan said previously.
But Regent Jim Rosapepe, who is leading lobbying efforts for the override, said while Ehrlich may be giving higher education the necessary support now, the measures that would be enacted by HB1188 would be a more long-term and sure-fire way to keep the system’s budget healthy and institutions affordable.
“The two big questions are: are the numbers real, and is this a one year wonder?” Rosapepe said. While he praised the governor for his budget, Rosapepe said he still strongly supports efforts to override HB1188.
The board will meet in late January to vote on fall 2005 tuition and Kirwan will recommend an increase of no more than 5.9 percent, according to a system press release.
