LINCOLN- The Unversity of Nebraska system may have to spend a little less in the next two years thanks to a decision made by the Nebraska Legislatures Appropriation Committee. The committee approved a 2.5% annual increase in state funding for the next two fiscal years. This is less than the 3.0% requested by the university and more than the 2% Governor Pillen suggested.

Pillen’s office said that the governor now supports the 2.5% increase. University President Ted Carter thanked the committee for its support and the governor and other lawmakers for “positive conversations” about the budget. “The Appropriations Committee’s vote today sends a strong message about the importance of an affordable, high-quality University of Nebraska,” Carter said.

Even the original 3% requested by the university would not have covered all of its needs. President Carter said the university would look at some combination of modest tuition increases and budget cuts to close funding gaps. In the past 5 years, the university has had $75 million cut from its budget. Appropriations Committee members split 5-4 over approving the 2.5% figure, with some wanting to stay at 2%.

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