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Chancellor Kirwan Thanks House of Delegates for Passing USM's Budget

ADELPHI, Md. (March 24, 2006) - University System of Maryland (USM) Chancellor William E. Kirwan publicly thanked House Speaker Michael E. Busch and the Maryland House of Delegates today for passing USM's operating budget. The House's action also included the passage of an additional $18 million allocated to higher education in the Governor's FY 2007 supplemental budget.

"The House's action yesterday maintains the progress we have made, together, in providing access to quality, affordable higher education," said Chancellor Kirwan. "Speaker Busch and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Norman H. Conway are long-time supporters of public higher education. Under their leadership in difficult fiscal times, the House dedicated an enormous amount of time and effort to examine how Maryland could provide predictable, sustainable support for higher education. Education and Economic Development Subcommittee Chairman James E. Proctor, Jr. and the members of his Subcommittee – Delegate Susan L.M. Aumann, Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne A. Jones, Delegate Richard S. Madaleno, Jr., Delegate Nancy R. Stocksdale, and Delegate Frank S. Turner – have helped USM weather difficult budget years, and have supported budgets that are good for students and families in recent years."

Highlights from the House's action include preserving almost all of the Governor's FY 2007 budget request for USM and approving a tuition freeze at current levels for full-time, in-state undergraduate students. In addition, the House supported several system-wide capital projects and enhancement funds for Bowie State University included in the Governor's supplemental budget. The House is also expected to give preliminary approval to the Governor's capital budget, which contains many important USM projects.

"We are very pleased with the House's action and their support for the Governor's significant operating and capital budget requests. While a few minor issues remain to be addressed, the budget the House passed reflects their continued support for economic development in the State, tuition relief for Maryland families, and a better future for thousands of students," the chancellor said.

Contact: Liz O'Neill
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: loneill@usmd.edu

University System of Maryland
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Adelphi, MD 20783-1690, USA
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