Cancelling sabbaticals for professors and researchers at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa for the next 18 months is among the budget-cutting ideas Republicans in the Iowa House plan to embrace next week. Cutting library acquisitions by 50 percent and combining administrative functions of the state universities (one president for all three schools?) are among the other ideas that impact the universities. David Miles, president of board which governs the three state-supported universities, has issued a response that does not mention sabbaticals or libraries specifically. Read his statement below.
Statement from President Miles on Taxpayers First Act
January 3, 2011
The Board of Regents is aware of the draft Taxpayers First Act released today which includes proposals for additional cuts to Iowa’s Public Universities.
As reflected in the Board’s Fiscal Year 2010 Annual Report, Iowa’s Public Universities continue to strive for greater efficiency in their operations, as evidenced by our efforts over the past two years. During that time, we implemented numerous efficiency and productivity improvements, streamlined back office operations, eliminated positions, implemented early retirement incentive programs, and reduced retirement plan contributions. As a result, our contributions to state government reorganization initiatives provided significant cost savings for Iowa’s Public Universities and Special Schools, and for the state of Iowa.
With respect to economic development, Iowa’s Public Universities are significant contributors to the Iowa economy with a total annual economic impact exceeding $8 billion; this important contribution requires continued state support. In addition, Iowa’s Public Universities recognize their role in preparing Iowa’s future workforce, as a significant percentage of Iowa’s jobs of the future will require postsecondary education. Support for Iowa’s Public Universities is a critical step in the state’s job creation efforts.
We look forward to working with the 2011 legislature and we welcome further discussions on all issues of importance to Iowans.
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
“With respect to economic development, Iowa’s Public Universities are significant contributors to the Iowa economy with a total annual economic impact exceeding $8 billion; this important contribution requires continued state support.”
How does this make sense? Is it really this much of a positive economic impact if they need state funding to get there? Wouldnt it be better if Iowans kept more of their own money so they can choose to make an economic impact themselves?