CLA Budget
These web pages provide accurate, timely information to CLA faculty and staff regarding the University's financial challenges. We welcome the CLA community's questions and their recommendations for accomplishing objectives in new ways, collaborating, and streamlining organizational structures in the college—all with the goal of maintaining or improving services while reducing costs.
The University is being proactive by planning and preparing for anticipated budget challenges brought about by potential changes in its overall revenue sources in light of global, national, and state economic conditions. In addition to a hiring pause, President Bruininks has requested CLA and the other colleges and units to create budget models based on three percent, five percent, and seven percent budget reductions.
CLA community will continue building an integrated academic community committed to our shared pursuit of excellence. While the current fiscal crisis will delay our efforts for a time, it does allow the college to define our essential academic priorities and work toward realizing them. We need to ensure that the measures we take will continue the strength and vibrancy of the College of Liberal Arts.
Next Steps for the State of Minnesota
The State's General Timeline for Addressing the Budget Crisis
According to a December 5, 2008, article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the next steps for the state include:
Friday, December 5: Governor Pawlenty met with House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis to discuss the state's budget.
Tuesday, January 6: The Minnesota Legislature convenes. Working with Governor Pawlenty to fill the $426 million deficit projected for the rest of this budget year is a priority. If agreement can't be reached between the Governor and legislative leaders, the Governor can use the entire budget reserve, totaling $155 million, and then eliminate spending to deal with the remaining deficit amount.
Tuesday, January 27: Either on or before this date, Governor Pawlenty will release his 2010-11 proposed budget. The Governor's plan will include measures to resolve with the $4.8 billion budget hole.
Monday, May 28: This is the deadline for the Governor and the Legislature to have a state budget. By law, the state must have a budget in place by July 1. If not, a government shutdown would be possible.