Actions by state government could greatly impact Loyola in coming year
Governor O'Malley proposes cuts to Sellinger fund despite benefits to state, private institutions would be hit hard
Katerina Kienle
Issue date: 2/9/10 Section: News
By Katerina Kienle
Editor in Chief
While this weekend's blizzard and class cancellations may be the most recent topic of conversation for Loyola students, state government actions in Annapolis that could drastically impact Loyola next year continue to be debated.
On January 19, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley held a press conference to propose his state budget for the 2011 fiscal year and announced that he allocated only $30 million for the Sellinger Program, the program through which state funding is provided to independent higher education institutions.
The dramatic cut, if approved by the Maryland General Assembly by the end of its session in April, would greatly impact the budgets of Loyola and more than a dozen other institutions.
"It's really important that everyone gets involved and takes the time to understand exactly what the Sellinger Fund is and how important it is to the University," said Student Government Association President Keith Masiulis. "It brings a substantial amount of funding into our school and if we don't receive it, it could affect many facets of the university that make Loyola, Loyola."
The Governor's proposed FY2011 budget would cut the Sellinger program by $22 million, a 42 percent reduction and a cut that is not nearly as drastic as that for public universities. For years, the state financial support for public, independent and community colleges, while not monetarily the same amount, have at least increased or decreased at the same rate. For example, if the funding for public institutions were to decrease by 5 percent, the funding for independent universities would also decrease by just 5 percent.
This common link has recently been severed.
In fact, this cut is so significant that, on a per student basis, the FY2011 allowance would bring the Sellinger Program back to a level not seen since 1987.
"It's a real investment on behalf of the state to have schools like Loyola that add to the intellectual capital that exists in the state," said Loyola Vice President for Administration Terry Sawyer.
Editor in Chief
While this weekend's blizzard and class cancellations may be the most recent topic of conversation for Loyola students, state government actions in Annapolis that could drastically impact Loyola next year continue to be debated.
On January 19, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley held a press conference to propose his state budget for the 2011 fiscal year and announced that he allocated only $30 million for the Sellinger Program, the program through which state funding is provided to independent higher education institutions.
The dramatic cut, if approved by the Maryland General Assembly by the end of its session in April, would greatly impact the budgets of Loyola and more than a dozen other institutions.
"It's really important that everyone gets involved and takes the time to understand exactly what the Sellinger Fund is and how important it is to the University," said Student Government Association President Keith Masiulis. "It brings a substantial amount of funding into our school and if we don't receive it, it could affect many facets of the university that make Loyola, Loyola."
The Governor's proposed FY2011 budget would cut the Sellinger program by $22 million, a 42 percent reduction and a cut that is not nearly as drastic as that for public universities. For years, the state financial support for public, independent and community colleges, while not monetarily the same amount, have at least increased or decreased at the same rate. For example, if the funding for public institutions were to decrease by 5 percent, the funding for independent universities would also decrease by just 5 percent.
This common link has recently been severed.
In fact, this cut is so significant that, on a per student basis, the FY2011 allowance would bring the Sellinger Program back to a level not seen since 1987.
"It's a real investment on behalf of the state to have schools like Loyola that add to the intellectual capital that exists in the state," said Loyola Vice President for Administration Terry Sawyer.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Mike Esteve
posted 2/09/10 @ 10:34 AM EST
I really don?t see why anyone is surprised. Maryland has consistently demonstrated complete disregard for the producers of wealth in this state. Everything from the millionaire?s tax (which saw an exodus of nearly a third of the highest tax bracket), the countless taxes on businesses, and now the reduction of a fund that brings highly educated young people into the workforce in Maryland. (Continued…)
Joe Smith
posted 2/09/10 @ 1:53 PM EST
I couldn't agree with Mike more. With O'Malley's reckless tax and spend policies Maryland has gone from a budget surplus under Ehrlich to a multi-billion dollar deficit, the largest in history. (Continued…)
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