Contact:
Kelly Layman
Executive Director of Communications
850-245-0466
kelly.layman@flbog.edu
News
05/26/2011
Statements Regarding Governor's Action on the Budget Today
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2011
STATEMENTS REGARDING GOVERNOR'S ACTION ON THE BUDGET TODAY
The Board Chair's letter sent last week to the Governor regarding possible veto(es) of PECO-related projects, and deferred maintenance and repairs funding, is posted here: www.flbog.edu/pressroom/.
The PECO list of projects by-university and as passed by the Legislature in its FY 2011-12 budget are linked from within the "PRESS PACKAGE ON THE BUDGET" posted, distributed and dated May 6, and located here: www.flbog.edu/pressroom/.
In our initial review of the Governor's veto details released this afternoon, some state universities are receiving funds for repairs and deferred maintenance from a previously larger appropriation by the Legislature, one that would have addressed some of these needs at all 11 universities based on a long-standing formula considering the age of the building and other factors. We do not have information on the selection process utilized for the Governor's shorter list of certain universities that will receive repair and maintenance monies.
From Board of Governors Chair Ava L. Parker:
"While the Board of Governors is disappointed that so many essential educational facilities will not be funded this year, we understand the unprecedented fiscal situation that both the Legislature and the Governor find themselves facing as they addressed the budget in their respective roles while attempting to restart the economy and reduce government spending. The Florida Board of Governors will continue to diligently exercise its constitutional responsibility by carefully vetting and scrutinizing any proposed investments in classrooms, research labs, and other vital facilities that are needed to support the State University System.”
From State University System Chancellor Frank T. Brogan:
“The State University System’s steady 3 percent annual enrollment growth for several years now — contributing to our 321,000-plus total student enrollment in Fall 2010 — clearly demonstrates not only the growing needs and demands here in the fourth-largest State University System in America, but, at the same time, it underscores the well-known economic impacts that public universities bring to the economy. The State University System of Florida must remain competitive in order to deliver the workforce needs of a transforming economy, thereby creating the knowledge- and innovation-based career opportunities that will keep our students in Florida after they graduate.
“The Governor has raised compelling questions about how the state addresses funding for the construction of much-needed classrooms, labs and research facilities. We look forward to working with him and the Legislature to explore the possibility of different methodologies for sustainably funding and maintaining Florida's education infrastructure."
