With five months left in the current fiscal year, the Iowa Senate has proposed slashing $6.9 million from Iowa State University's base appropriation. If approved, Iowa State would have to return promised funds by June 30, 2018. This comes after already withstanding recent cuts totaling $11.5 million.
The midyear cuts proposed by the Senate would be devastating and result in immediate and long-lasting impacts both on campus and to Iowans in all 99 counties. A cut of this magnitude could result in the following:
- Canceling classes in the upcoming summer and fall semesters, which increases time to graduation and student debt levels
- Scaling back resident undergraduate financial aid, negatively impacting families' ability to plan and budget
-
Reducing the number of faculty and staff on campus and across the state
-
Furloughs of faculty and staff
-
Reducing student services, including academic advising and career and internship assistance
- Reducing Extension and Outreach's 99 county-wide programs and services
- Reducing economic development services, including the Small Business Development Center and the Center for Industrial Research and Service, which together generated $915 million in economic impact last year
- Increasing fees for services at the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and the Lloyd Veterinary Hospital
The legislation is expected to move very quickly and could reach the Senate floor for a vote as early as Tuesday. It is imperative that legislators hear from you. After all, they represent your voice.
A survey released two weeks ago by legislators found that investing in education and working Iowa families are the top priorities of Iowans. The survey indicated 94% support for keeping college affordable. Iowa State University is a key driver of the state's workforce and economic success; reductions of this scale will be harmful and long-lasting.
Thank you in advance for your support of Iowa State University as we face continued budget challenges. We will provide additional updates on the legislative process as they become available.
|