Chairman Stinner and the Appropriations Committee are working hard to balance their priorities for Nebraska and I thank them for their thoughtful approach. We share many goals: A strong economy and skilled workforce, excellent health care and quality of life, and affordable education that meets the needs of students and the state.
The CommitteeÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ™s preliminary recommendation does not change the prospect of a budget gap north of $50 million for the ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ of Nebraska over the next two years. I have been candid that a budget challenge of that scale would necessitate significant cuts that will impact real people and services and tuition increases for students and their families. Our unique role in growing NebraskaÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ™s economy and workforce would be put at risk.
We are partnering with the state to manage the current fiscal challenges and we have a proactive plan for making reductions. The ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ of Nebraska is also the stateÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ™s most powerful asset for growing out of this downturn. I will continue to urge state leaders not to make decisions that will harm NebraskaÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ™s long-term momentum and competitiveness. We look forward to working closely with them on solutions that are in the best interest of students and the citizens of Nebraska.