Education Challenges of the Special Session from President George Dennison

As you know, the Montana Legislature has convened in Special Session to respond to the State’s shortfall in revenue. Prior to the Session, at the Governor’s request and the directive of the Board of Regents, the campuses of the Montana University System implemented budget adjustments of some 3.5 percent of their General Fund appropriations, or roughly $5.1 million.

However, the Governor also recognized that the revenue shortfall exceeded the initial estimates and called the Special Session to deal with the problem. In the Session Call, the Governor recommended another adjustment of 3.5 percent for the University System, bringing the total to 7 percent, or some $10.2 million.

From the outset, we of The University of Montana and the University System have agreed that we must do our "fair share" to contribute to the solution. I continue to believe that the Governor’s recommendation of $10.2 million – almost half of the increase provided during the last Session — represents our "fair share," as the Governor indicated.

However, recent developments in the Legislature have caused concern that the University System will bear the brunt of the burden of a solution, with our budgets reduced by much larger amounts than other State agencies.

I have taken this opportunity to let you know of these developments, because reductions beyond our "fair share" will erode the quality of the education provided to students, limit our ability to educate Montanans, further increase the costs to students and their families, and severely undermine our ability to serve the people of Montana.

If you agree with me and will assist us, please contact your local legislators or any legislators you know and ask them to limit the reductions required of the Montana University System to the Governor’s recommendations. Assure them that The University of Montana and the University System does not seek exemption but rather fairness in the outcome. We will do our part, as recommended by the Governor.

The Legislative Web Page at: http://leg.state.mt.us/online_publications/laws/Special_SessionAugust20022_sp_session.htm will help you direct an electronic message to your legislator; or you can leave a phone message for a legislator at 1-406-444-4800; or address a FAX message to a specific legislator at 1-406-444-3036.

In a short session, such as this one that may end as early as Saturday, 10 August, I cannot exaggerate the critical importance of a timely message. If at all possible, please send the messages immediately.

Thank you very much for your continued support and any assistance you can provide as we seek to meet this challenge.

G. M. Dennison, President