The Legislature gave its final approval Thursday to the state of Nebraska’s 2015-17 budget package, which includes critical support for the University of Nebraska. The budget now goes to the governor for his consideration.
“We truly appreciate the Legislature’s support for the university’s budget,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
The budget, Dr. Gold said, enables the university to achieve three key objectives: meet core operating needs, keep tuition affordable and move forward on initiatives that grow Nebraska’s economy.
The budget includes these items for the University of Nebraska:
- A 3 percent increase for core operations, which includes salaries.
- $2 million for academic programs at the Health Sciences Education Complex in Kearney, which will house expanded nursing and allied health programs to meet workforce and health care needs in rural Nebraska, plus $424,000 for building operations and maintenance.
- $1 million for a new biomedical technology institute led by UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).
- $100,000 to expand the activities of the UNO-based Nebraska Business Development Center.
- $25 million for construction of a simulated education building at UNMC, as well as $2 million for operations and maintenance of this new facility.
- $1.25 million for a proposed international trade and finance institute at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln named in honor of NU alumnus and trade expert Clayton Yeutter.
- $320,000 for talent enhancement and $100,000 to hire a veterinarian at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, investments that would help NCTA build on its momentum in serving students and meeting the needs of Nebraska agriculture.
Employees who wish to thank their respective state senator are encouraged to do so. Please identify yourself as a constituent in your specific senator’s district and use your own personal email address. To find your respective senator and district, click here.