With Minnesota facing at least a $4.8 billion deficit for the next two years, the University is facing a challenging 2009 legislative session. For those of us who value learning, teaching, researching and serving at the U, the time is now to show the world what the state gains from the U’s continued vitality.
As President Bruininks cautioned, dramatic cuts to the U threaten to “erode the quality of the education our students receive and slow the creation of jobs and economic growth for the state by shutting off our human capital and innovation pipelines.” The U draws one-fourth of its revenue from the state, and budget cuts will be an unavoidable part of the statewide solution. The depth of these cuts will determine the future vitality of our University and our state.
It’s more important than ever for faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the U to bring our message to our 201 elected legislators and Governor Pawlenty.
We all can have a powerful impact by participating in the U’s Legislative Network. When you join, you receive frequent updates about the University’s legislative issues, as well as email action alerts to contact your local political leaders quickly and effectively on vital University issues. You can do as little or as much as your time and ambition allow—it all helps the U keep its edge for the good of the state.
Please join the Legislative Network today at supporttheu.umn.edu to tell your elected leaders what protecting the University and the College of Biological Sciences will mean to you, your peers, and our state.
