The budget proposal set forth last week by Gov. Mike Johanns and Lt. Gov. Dave Heineman is a “great start” for opening a dialogue about increasing support for the University of Nebraska, UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., said.
“This is a positive first step,” Dr. Maurer said. “It’s still very early in the Legislative session, and we are hopeful that the recent strong upturn in the state’s economy will continue. A continued upturn would enable the state to provide additional support to fuel the state’s major economic engine – the University of Nebraska.”
Heineman is expected to become governor later this week when the U.S. Senate confirms Johanns’ nomination as agriculture secretary. Their budget proposal recommends increases in state funding for the university of 4.4 percent in the first year and 4.1 percent in the second year. The budget proposal calls for 3 percent salary increases in each year.
“Increasing faculty and staff salaries is my highest priority,” Dr. Maurer said. “As additional funds become available, I am confident that lawmakers and my colleagues at the university will concur that there is an urgent need for us to keep pace with our peers in terms of salaries.”
The governor’s recommendation, Dr. Maurer said, sets a foundation for working with the Legislature on expanded funding, especially if the state’s economic forecast continues to improve. The state’s economic forecasting board will release another report in February.