A Message from the President
May 31, 2012 - Campus Update
As we enter the final days and hours of the legislative session, I anticipate significant tension and debate regarding the state budget. In recent days, the Senate took action on several fronts of great importance to higher education and Southeastern.
First, the Senate voted to restore some of the reductions that had been made by the House of Representatives in House Bill 1, the proposed state budget for next fiscal year. While the Senate changes would scale back the additional reduction in state funds for Southeastern for next fiscal year, they do not eliminate it.
The second important action by the Senate was to approve utilization of money from the budget stabilization fund (rainy-day fund) to offset a $200+ million shortfall in the current fiscal year.
Both of these actions must also be approved by the House of Representatives with use of the budget stabilization fund requiring a 2/3 majority vote.
Clearly, there is much yet to be finalized, and the Legislature must conclude all of its business by Monday, June 4, at 6pm, when it must adjourn. I will continue to communicate with our legislative delegation members about the impact of budget reductions on Southeastern and keep the campus apprised of new developments.