Government Relations

State Relations

State Appropriations

The major piece of legislation that concerns CMU is the annual higher education appropriations bill. This funding bill typically is introduced each winter following the governor’s executive budget recommendations to the Legislature. This year’s bill began in the Senate, but the bill’s introduction alternates yearly between the Senate and House of Representatives. Following deliberations by the Legislature, a final bill will be sent to the Governor for signature into law. Although the funding provided by this bill represents less than 30% of CMU’s total revenue (compared to a full 60% just 20 years ago), it remains an important component of CMU’s operating budget.

In an unusual move, the chair of the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education has introduced two funding bills for fiscal year 2008-09.

For a list of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education members, click here.

Capital Outlay

Along with the university’s annual appropriations from the state, CMU is interested in funding capital outlay projects on campus. Although such a bill is not introduced every year, two proposed capital outlay bills have been introduced in the House and Senate for fiscal year 2008-09. At this time, the language does not include CMU’s preferred project to build a new biosciences building on campus.

The Capital Outlay Subcommittee is a joint committee of Senate and House members. When there is agreement on a capital outlay bill, it is reviewed by Senate and House Appropriations Committees and sent to both chambers for action. If a bill is approved by the Legislature, it is sent to the governor to be signed into law.

For a list of the Capital Outlay Subcommittee members, click here.

Other Higher Education Legislation

Legislation has been introduced which would allow community colleges to grant four-year bachelor's degrees.

 

A series of bills dealing with identify theft were reported out the House Judiciary Committee on June 19, 2008. They still have to be considered on the House floor and be approved by the Senate. These bills may have implications for higher education.

Another package of bills of interest to higher education is a package of four bills that deal with contractors and construction contracts for public buildings. Of particular interest to higher education is House Bill 6175.