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February 15, 2007

Texas

Perry’s plan may cut items

Some programs may lose or gain funding, but administrators say it’s too early to tell.

Story by: Adam Russell

Contributor to The Shorthorn

Gov. Rick Perry’s higher education reform proposal includes funding cuts for several “special item” university programs, including the Science Education and Career Center, the Automation and Robotics Research Institute and the African International Exchange Program.

Midway through February, speculation on higher-education funding has begun. Many programs may be cut, but the Texas Legislature could also increase their budgets exponentially, depending on what school administrator or representative is asked.

The session is scheduled to end May 28, and predictions on the outcome of the 80th Legislative Session’s distribution of $6.7 billion to higher education are mostly speculation.

University President James Spaniolo declined to comment on the effects that cutting special items might have on the university.

“It’s premature,” he said. “We know what the proposal is, but a lot of the ideas about how it will affect the university are still up in the air.”

A spokesperson for State Sen. Chris Harris, R-Arlington, said it’s early in the process and that Harris’ office is trying to understand the specifics of the governor’s proposal.

“The senator will look at the proposal and determine what is in the best interest of UTA,” spokesperson Jeff Jeter said.

Under Perry’s plan, funding for special item programs would be cut, but the proposal would add funding from general revenue and proposed incentives, thereby retaining or increasing funding for programs at the discretion of university officials.

Perry spokesperson Ted Royer said that while special items may serve a purpose, the $628 million budget appropriated for such programs could be used more efficiently under Perry’s plan.

“We can fund buildings, or we can fund educating students,” Royer said. “The governor thinks we should fund educating students.”

According to the Legislative Budget Board, the university received a little less than $9 million in special items funding through 2006 and 2007.

Most of those funds were used for institutional enhancement. $1.2 million in funds go to the institute, an off-campus robotics and microtechnology research and development lab.

State Rep. Dianne Patrick, R-Arlington, called the concerns about funding for the university top priority, whether it be formula funding or special item cuts.

“These are the governor’s plans for higher education,” Patrick said. “I am looking out for UTA.”