The following is a message from University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken regarding Initiative 423, a ballot measure aimed at capping state spending.
Earlier, I sent e-mails urging faculty, staff and students to consider how Initiative 423 might impact the University and the State of Nebraska. I received a response from one student referring to my mail as “spam,” so I apologize in advance if you’re in agreement with him. If so, you might hit delete now! I’m writing again only to make sure my message and purpose are clear; I think both are appropriate for a university president. One thing I am certain of after 18 years of experience, though, is that not everyone will agree with me.
In my earlier note, I asked that recipients consider the implications of 423, express their views as private citizens, and vote. I provided an analysis done by our budget office, which included assumptions about the proposed lid’s impact on the availability of state funds and spending decisions. These assumptions are based on historical patterns, which are clearly stated at the beginning of the analysis. Not everyone will agree with the assumptions or the conclusions; I have been told both that they are too conservative and that they exaggerate the impact. Our analysts included the assumptions so people could reach their own conclusions about whether they are reasonable. I acknowledged in my message that there is debate — and uncertainty — about the impact on property taxes and services provided by government, and asked that you consider the arguments regarding these important issues as well.
One of my responsibilities as president is to try to secure the resources needed (public and private) to support university programs at a level Nebraskans expect. I am, of course, interested in the potential impact of the proposed lid on university funding — including tuition — and I know many others are as well. In fact, students, faculty and others might legitimately complain if we did not provide such information for their consideration.
I believe that the more information and analysis voters consider, the better decisions they will be able to make. There has been much written on Initiative 423, pro and con, and you have no doubt seen newspaper columns, letters to the editor, or television ads. The principal organizations involved are Stop OverSpending Nebraska (in support) and Nebraskans Against Initiative 423 (in opposition), and each organization has a Web site. I encourage you to try to understand as much as possible about this subject and make an informed decision. I repeat my earlier concluding message: I believe there is no issue on the ballot this year that is more important to the future of the University and the State of Nebraska.
Thank you for your interest, your hoped-for tolerance of one more e-mail from your president, and your feedback.
Sincerely,
James B. Milliken, President
University of Nebraska