BOSTON -- Jan. 27, 2010:University of Massachusetts President Jack M. Wilson today said that Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed Fiscal Year 2011 state budget constitutes "a strong expression of support for the UMass system and provides hope and opportunity for students all across the Commonwealth."
The proposed Fiscal Year 2011 state budget unveiled by the Governor today would fund the five-campus UMass system at $451,272,589 and direct an additional $49,317,776 in federal stimulus funds to the University for total funding of $500,590,365.
That level of funding compares to the $475,026,934 the University received in Fiscal Year 2009. Last year, the University appropriation was reduced to $379,900,504, but the cut was offset with a large infusion of stimulus funds.
"At a time when the Commonwealth continues to face challenges, Gov. Patrick has made the decision to invest in the University of Massachusetts, knowing that UMass provides opportunity and serves as a critical economic engine for the state. The University of Massachusetts educates 66,000 students a year and diligently serves every region of the state," President Wilson added.
"This is a moment when more and more citizens of the Commonwealth are looking to UMass, with applications and enrollment up on our campuses. State funding is critical to our ability to serve the growing numbers of students who are coming to us for an affordable, high-quality university education."
President Wilson said that he, the five campus Chancellors and the UMass trustees appreciate the Governor's action and look forward to working with the House and the Senate as the budget process unfolds.
"Like Governor Patrick, Senate President Murray, House Speaker DeLeo and the members of the House and Senate have fought to build a strong public university in Massachusetts, knowing that education and research play key roles in determining our economic future. We look forward to working with the Legislature and will continue to make the case for UMass," President Wilson said.
Contact: Robert P. Connolly, 774-455-7188