UAlbany Budget Updates

Message from President Philip on Thu, May 1, 2008

To Members of the Campus Community:

I want to take this opportunity to update you on the status of the State Budget and fiscal challenges facing the University at Albany and the State University of New York as a whole.

Earlier in April, our State Leaders adopted a budget that called for a reduction in state aid and utility funding to the State University of New York. Based on these reductions, and when combined with our current obligations in the campus financial plan, the structural deficit for our campus is approximately $5.4 million.

Recognizing that the State's economy is expected to further deteriorate, Governor David Paterson last week proposed an additional 3.35% expenditure ceiling/reduction mandate for Executive Agencies, including SUNY.
This "expenditure ceiling" would be devastating to SUNY and our campus.

In particular, the proposed "spending cap" targets the State University's special revenue funds (i.e., non-tax supported funds) such as tuition, dormitory funding, student fees, contract revenue, etc. which are earmarked for specific purposes and use. If implemented, the "spending cap" would, in fact, eliminate the University's ability to deliver many fundamental academic and student services.

At this point, the outcome of the State budget negotiations remains uncertain. We are in on-going communications with SUNY System Administration and our Legislative delegation regarding this destructive "spending cap" proposal for SUNY. Please be assured that we will continue to oppose this measure strenuously, while advocating for the necessary operating resources for our campus.

I will keep you apprised of the budget dynamic - both at the state and campus level - as the process unfolds.

Sincerely,

George M. Philip
Interim President