For Immediate Release
Contact: Matt Cookson, 603-862-0904 or Matt.cookson@usnh.edu
USNH Presents Budget Proposal for the 2006-07 Biennium at Governor's Preliminary Budget Hearings
November 19, 2004 - Concord - The chair and vice chair of the USNH Board of Trustees joined the USNH chancellor and vice chancellor to present their proposed budget for the FY06-07 biennium during the Governor's budget hearings on November 19. The proposed budget, which was approved by the USNH Board of Trustees, calls for a 6.5 percent increase in general funds for 2005-06 and a 7 percent increase in 2006-07.
The budget request asks the State fund 24.1 percent of the operating costs of the University System during the FY06-07 biennium, which is equal to the present level of support in terms of the percent share that is provided from the State. In dollar terms, the increases for the two years of the biennium would be $5.6 million and 7.0% $6.4 million respectively. The budget also calls for tuition increases of 5 percent per year over the biennium.
The significant drivers of the request for 6.5% and 7.0% appropriation increases are the need to:
- maintain affordability of our tuition and provide adequate financial aid,
- provide additional access for New Hampshire students,
- continue to invest in proper operation and maintenance of our facilities,
- address sharp increases in the costs of medical benefits, and
- provide fair compensation to employees.
"Funding at this level would allow USNH to maintain affordability of our tuition and provide adequate financial aid, provide additional access for New Hampshire students, continue to invest in proper operation and maintenance of our facilities, address sharp increases in the costs of medical benefits, and provide fair compensation to employees," said Ed MacKay, vice chancellor and treasurer of USNH.
The University System is a partner with the State, and seeks other revenue sources to support programs and services that make significant contributions to the New Hampshire economy. In addition to the approximately $350 million in E&G revenue and expenses referenced previously, the USNH annually generates more than $120 million from auxiliary (self-supporting) operations such as residence halls, dining facilities, student activity and recreation centers and nearly $120 million more from sponsored programs (primarily grants from the federal government). In the aggregate, State Operating Appropriations provided 14% of total USNH revenue last year.
"The USNH has demonstrated its capacity and willingness to engage in a wide spectrum of activities that provide substantial benefit," MacKay said. "We ask your support to continue that shared commitment to improving the lives of New Hampshire residents and promoting the long term economic and social vitality of the State."
About the University System of New Hampshire :
The mission of the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) is to serve the higher educational needs of the people of New Hampshire . Through its sister institutions ( University of New Hampshire , Plymouth State University , Keene State College, and College for Lifelong Learning), USNH presently serves almost 30,000 students.
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