U. requests $41.2 million in state funds

The University has requested nearly $41.2 million in state funding for the 1992-93 fiscal year, hoping to increase this year's $37.6 million allocation by 9.5 percent. The proposal calls for increased funding for all University programs which currently receive state money -- including the Veterinary School and related programs, the Medical School, the University's dental clinics and $16.6 million in unrestricted dollars -- and asks for two new line items for the Vet School. Administrators said this week that although the increase would exceed the rate of inflation, it is needed to offset a decrease in the real value of the state's allocation, which has barely risen over the last two years. And they said the budget crisis in Harrisburg this summer, which threatened to cut this year's allocation nearly in half, did not affect the level of the University's request. James Shada, assistant vice president for Commonwealth Relations, said the proposal simply reflects the University's current needs. "We feel we can make the case for what we're asking for," Shada said. But Senior Vice President Marna Whittington acknowledged the University's request could have trouble passing the legislature fully intact if a crisis similar to the one last year develops. She said it was important not to appear "greedy," while at the same time presenting an honest appraisal of the University's needs. The request stresses that the University is the city's largest non-governmental employer, helps attract industry to the area through research and technological developments, and educates thousands of Pennsylvania residents every year. The largest single component of the request would add over $1 million in unrestricted funds to the University's allocation, raising the level to $17.7 million. Administrators say this money is important because it is not earmarked for certain programs and can be used in areas where it is needed. The request lists three "strategic priorities" for this part of the allocation: undergraduate education, student financial aid and "research excellence." The financial aid budget has grown increasingly dependent on unrestricted funds in recent years because, while costs have risen, other sources of revenue have remained flat. Several parts of the request, totaling over $17 million, are related to the Vet School, whose financial stability is closely linked with state funding. The requests include $4.3 million for the New Bolton Center, $2.3 million for the Center for Animal Health, and $1.4 million for the Center of Animal Health and Productivity. The two new lines would include $477,000 for the operation and maintenance of animal health diagnostic and research programs, and $423,000 to help fund public health research in the Vet School, which is the only school of its kind in the state. The University now must wait until February, when Gov. Robert Casey unveils his budget proposal, to determine how the allocation likely will emerge in the final budget.

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