Legislative session afoot, USU preparing
January marks the start of Utah’s state legislative session, which will determine higher education funding and other important issues for the 2012-13 academic year.
“The major issue every year is the budget,” said Neil Abercrombie, director of government relations at USU.
While the governor won’t release his budget proposal until Dec. 12, Abercrombie said he’s optimistic about the coming year.
“It is too early to tell, we are going into the session in a better position than we have the last few years,” he said.
In past legislative sessions, the budget has had to be revised mid-session to account for budget shortfalls, Abercrombie said. This year, he said, things are on track and revenues have come in as forecast, if not slightly higher.
“We will begin this year moving forward to 2013,” he said.
Revenue numbers are projected up about $400 million, but there’s a lot of need for that money initially, Abercrombie said. Mandatory expenditures for public education, medicare and others need resolution first.
“A top priority for President Albrecht and the system of higher education is compensation for employees,” Abercrombie said, adding that it’s been years since employees had a salary increase, and many state employees have actually had their benefits reduced.
Other major priorities include obtaining additional funding for USU regional campuses and the distance education program. Abercrombie said these funds would be used to enhance the programs and degrees available through these campuses.
USU Administration is working closely with the University of Utah on an engineering initiative that would result in additional investment in engineering scholarships and faculty employment, he said.
According to Abercrombie, the legislature has placed a priority on funding programs and degrees with an economic return or lead to successful job placement.
A current challenge is the lack of money available for new building projects, Abercrombie said, though special effort has been made to make buildings for USU Eastern and the Brigham City campus high priorities.
During the legislative session, students working with the Government Relations Council will be involved in lobbying for USU interests. Kirsten Frank, ASUSU executive vice president, is involved in preparing these students for their roles.
“We are making sure our lobbyists are super prepared and feeling very confident,” she said.
Frank and the GRC have worked to make sure those involved understand USU’s goals and priorities, as well as rules and decorum surrounding the legislative process, she said.
“I think there will be a big emphasis on education this session,” she said.
Lobbying chair Tyson Hall said, “The state Legislature knows that lowering the cost of education is the single most important issue for students.
“I would expect that there will be some initiatives to find creative solutions to deal with rising costs in education. For example, Sen. Steve Urquhart, the chair of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, has come up with some creative long-term and short-term solutions to help bring down the cost of education.”
Abercrombie said USU is working closely with Urquhart in his efforts to increase graduation rates across the state.
The session begins Jan. 23, and Abercrombie said the process is open to students who want to be involved. Those interested can also listen to or watch committee meetings online.
– kstubbs88@gmail.com