Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

News

Gogue blasts proposal to modify state funding plan

By Jim Parsons
The Daily Cougar

UH President and UH System Chancellor Jay Gogue criticized proposed changes in state formula funding at a hearing in Austin on Wednesday, saying it would eventually lead to less-prepared college graduates.

Changes in the formula used to allocate money to state-supported universities would hurt important programs, particularly health and education, Gogue told the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Education at the state Capitol.

"We would question the public policy implications of a formula that suddenly says in the area of nursing and pharmacy and health-related areas that we're going to reduce the money, that the demand is less," he said.

Gogue said the dollar impact on the University isn't clear -- it could be as high as $7 million or as low as $1 million, depending on how the formula is modified -- but the effects could be far-reaching.

"Over time, the impact of that is that we, as an institution, will not send as many kids into those particular fields," Gogue said. "There will not be the money to hire the faculty (and) support the programs."

Gogue also said the System is asking for an increase in the Higher Education Assistance Fund, which underwent a 5 percent cut in the state budget crunch two years ago.

HEAF money is given to some state universities for capital improvements.

Not only should the 5 percent be reinstated, but the fund should be adjusted for inflation, Gogue said. He said its total has been around $175 million for the last 10 years.

On funding, Gogue said the System is interested in recovering the 5 percent budget cut all state agencies took in the last biennium and, as it has been for years, in increasing its research funding to make UH a flagship institution.

That prompted a question from committee Chairwoman Lois W. Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, on whether the System is more focused on improving its research stature or handling the growth that's expected in the Houston area.

Gogue answered that the System doesn't have a single focus -- handling growth is essential, but so is making UH a first-choice university for prospective students.

"The University of Houston has got to make sure that the quality of our institution is such that students from across this state would choose us as a No. 1 location," he said.

Gogue's testimony Wednesday was part of a series of legislative hearings for the UH System this week.

Gogue, UH-Downtown President Max Castillo, UH-Clear Lake President William Staples and UH-Victoria President Tim Hudson will testify before the Senate Finance Committee at 8 a.m. today.

To watch their testimony online, visit www.senate.state.tx.us/bin/live.php.
 

Send comments to dcnews@mail.uh.edu