US07/08-21: Resolution to request the immediate release of $125 million
appropriated by the legislature for state agency salary increases.
Sponsored by Peter Gilkey
For Senate Action 14 May 2008.
Resolved: The University of Oregon University Senate requests that the President of the University of
Oregon Senate write to the members of the Legislative Emergency Board of the State of Oregon to ask them to
release the $125 million appropriated for state agency salary increases in June 2008.
Financial impact: Direct financial impact, negligiable. Action
requested could result in the elimination of a
$28.5 million reduction in funding to the Oregon University System.
Background:
- In 2007 the Legislature established a State Salary Pool to enable state
agencies to cover salary increases over the 2007-09 biennium. Due to concerns
over revenue forecast reductions, the Legislature chose not to release these
funds during the February 2008 supplemental session. Budget leaders said they
would wait until the June 2008 revenue forecast (scheduled to be released May
29th) before making a decision.
- Under guidance from the Governor last year, state agencies have already
raised salaries. Salaries will not be affected by a decision to withhold these
funds. Rather, agencies will have to cut programs. Across OUS, withholding
these funds will result in fewer classes offered, lower graduation rates,
reduced enrollments, and higher costs to students who already pay 60% of the costs of their
education.
- With classes due to start in September, Oregon's students cannot wait for a possible increase in the
September revenue forecast. If the Legislature does not release the funds in June, universities have no
choice but to cut their budgets at a time when some universities are already struggling financially.
- Releasing the funds in June gives the Legislature time to rationally and
equitably address the problem of future revenue declines. If future forecasts
increase, there may be no need for a special session. If the forecasts
continue to decline, then a special legislative session is inevitable -- but the Legislature
will be able to address the problem without focusing harm on our college students.
Supporting documents: - List of leadership in the legislature and members
of the Emergency Board.
- Information
concerning funding balances (prepared by the Office of Government Relations,
Oregon State University, with assistance from the Legislative Revenue)
- Information concerning the State Salary pool
(prepared by UO Department of Public and Government Affairs)
- Letter from the OSU Senate.
- Letter from the SOU Senate.
- Letter from the OIT Senate.
- Letter from the PSU Senate.
Passed at the 14 May 2008 UO Senate Meeting.
Letters from UO Senate President Sayre and ASUO President McLain dated 21
May 2008 and sent to Kulongowski,
Courtney, and
Merkley concerning the State
Salary Pool monies.