Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Gov. Hogan's Supplemental Budget Proposal
Baltimore, Md. (March 17, 2021) – Gov. Hogan today submitted a supplemental budget proposal that includes $23.46 million for the University System of Maryland (USM), targeted to university-based public health and health professions programs. We thank the governor for this funding proposal, and for recognizing that the USM is central to securing Marylanders’ health and safety.The University System is, by far, Maryland’s largest producer of health professionals. And yet even before the pandemic, Maryland suffered a shortage of health care workers. If approved, the funding restored to the USM in the supplemental budget will help us expand our health care workforce statewide by supporting additional faculty and staff in programs that educate nurses, pharmacists, physicians, physician assistants, public health professionals, and others.
COVID-19 has underscored the acute need for a robust and highly qualified health care workforce and for strong, responsive public health programs. The reinstatement of these funds is critical to our ability to take care of the state’s people, protect public health, and continue to meet the needs of Maryland citizens—today and tomorrow. We are deeply grateful to the governor and his administration for this proposal to restore funding that will benefit all Marylanders.
# # #
Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu