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February 5, 2009

Governor proposes no FY10 hike for Pitt

A 6 percent cut in state support would continue next fiscal year under Gov. Edward G. Rendell’s proposal for no increase in the appropriation for Pitt and its fellow state-related universities in fiscal year 2010.

In addition, the governor has proposed the elimination of funding for the eight Pennsylvania Governor’s Schools of Excellence, which include two programs housed at Pitt.

The governor’s proposal to hold the line on Pitt’s appropriation incorporates the nearly $10.25 million that is to be cut from the current appropriation as declining revenues put pressure on the state’s budget. Rendell announced a 4.25 percent reduction in support for Pitt in October, then in December increased the amount to 6 percent. The funding is to be withheld from Pitt’s final FY09 appropriation payment only if the state’s budget situation fails to improve.

But with the state facing an estimated budget deficit of up to $2.3 billion and declines in projected revenues expected to continue, the 6 percent cut seems a certainty.

Rendell, in his Feb. 4 budget message, proposed a $160.5 million appropriation for Pitt — 6 percent less than the $170.73 million legislators approved last July.

Pitt’s current overall budget is $1.71 billion.

Rather than identify line item appropriations for Pitt’s education and general budget, student life initiatives, recruitment of the disadvantaged, rural education outreach and the WPIC Services for Teens at Risk program as is typical, the appropriation simply is labeled “general support.”

Under the governor’s plan, Penn State would receive $318.1 million; Temple would get $165 million and Lincoln $13.6 million in FY10.

The proposed budget would reduce Pitt’s appropriation to less than its FY06 appropriation of nearly $164.65 million.

Similarly, next year’s funding for the School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pitt’s dental clinic and the Center for Public Health Practice, which comes through the Department of Public Welfare with matching federal funds, also is slated to receive amounts that reflect the 6 percent FY09 cut already proposed by the governor.

The proposed capital budget retains $20 million approved for the renovation of Thaw, Allen and Old Engineering Halls, the Space Research Coordination Center and nuclear physics facilities.

Paul A. Supowitz, vice chancellor for governmental relations and associate general counsel, said that under the difficult financial circumstances, “Clearly the governor made a strong effort to avoid further cuts to public higher education.”

While that is greatly appreciated, Supowitz said, the University will continue to stress Pitt’s critical role in the regional economy and the value of continuing to invest in its mission.

Supowitz reiterated that the governor’s proposed budget is just that— a proposal. “It’s subject to a lot of discussion and debate over the next few months,” he said. “This is the beginning of the process and we take it as such.”

In cutting the $3.2 million budgeted for the governor’s schools, Rendell said, “It’s a great, great program, but we simply can’t afford to fund it this summer.” The highly competitive program enables high school students to participate in intensive five-week summer academic programs on college campuses. Pitt hosts governor’s school programs in international studies through the University Center for International Studies and in health care through the School of Medicine in conjunction with UPMC Health System.

Karen Narkevic, director of the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for Health Care, was unsure yesterday of the impact of the proposed cut, but conceded it could shut down the program.

“Of the eight governor’s schools we’re the only one who is funded by the state Department of Health,” she said, unsure whether that would impact the program’s survival. The other programs are funded through the Department of Education.

Narkevic, one of two full-time staffers for the health care governor’s school, which gives students hands-on experience and education on health care careers, said 500-550 applications were received last year for 110 slots. She did not know how many students applied for this summer’s program, which had a Feb. 5 application deadline.

Supowitz said he expects “significant outcry” over many of the proposed cuts. Noting that the governor’s schools program is highly regarded by many legislators, he stressed that everything in the governor’s proposal is subject to change as budget discussions continue.

Representatives from the Governor’s School for International Studies did not immediately return calls for comment.

Kimberly Barlow & Peter Hart


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