University of Nebraska Urges Appropriations Committee to Support Critical Budget Needs

Cuts are coming, and the University of Nebraska (NU) is feeling the pressure. As the state grapples with budget problems, university leaders are appealing to lawmakers for help.

Tim Clare, a regent at NU, emphasized the importance of diversifying Nebraska’s economy. “We can’t let corn prices dictate our future,” he said. “We need to invest in areas that will help our state grow.”

This plea comes as NU requests a 3.5% increase in state funding. But with a projected budget shortfall of $432 million, Governor Jim Pillen and Appropriations Committee chair Robert Clements plan to cut $14 million from NU’s core funding.

Clements mentioned that state agencies are finding ways to do more with less. He hopes the university will adopt similar strategies. “Efficiency is key,” he said.

Dr. Jeffery Gold, president of NU, warned that the proposed cuts could harm the university significantly. He stated, “There’s no more fat to trim. We’re facing serious program cuts.” He highlighted that this financial strain comes on top of rising inflation.

One major area at risk is biomedical research. Gold mentioned that cutting $11 million could be a blow to important projects, which impact real lives. Bri Hoffman spoke out about this issue. Her son, Jack, suffered from a brain tumor, and she credited research for providing him opportunities. “He had experiences he wouldn’t have had without it,” she recalled.

Additionally, university leaders are concerned about the fluctuation of federal funding. Research grants and scholarships are at stake. Recently, some students at UNL lost federal support due to changes in policies during the Trump Administration regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Gold pointed out that these changes could have dire consequences, including the loss of all federal funding, which would affect programs like Pell Grants.

The stakes are high for Nebraska’s future. University leaders are urging for support to ensure that students and crucial programs are not left hanging in the balance.