$30 Million Back-fill into Higher Education

The 2009 budget is now balanced. I have to thank all of the legislators who worked hard to make this happen. It was not without pain I am sure. It is interesting to note a number of state agencies received a back-fill to help ease the pain of the cuts. Higher Education and our own Weber State were among the many that received the blessing of a back-fill.

Here is the breakdown for Higher Ed:

School	Cut	Back-fill	Total
University of Utah	$18,340,100	$9,170,100	$9,170,100
Utah State University	$11,299,900	$5,650,000	$5,649,900
Weber State University	$5,024,200	$2,512,100	$2,512,100
Southern Utah University	$2,387,400	$1,193,700	$1,193,700
Utah Valley University	$4,763,400	$2,381,700	$2,381,700
Snow College	$1,547,700	$773,900	$773,800
Dixie State College	$1,652,200	$826,100	$826,100
College of Eastern Utah	$1,328,100	$664,100	$664,100
Salt Lake Community College	$4,903,000	$2,451,500	$2,451,500

As you can see, half of all the cuts were back-filled. Meaning instead of a 7 percent cut now, we received a 3.5 percent. That is not the end, this back-fill is a onetime only situation. 2010 we will see these same 3.5 percent cuts. However, I am please with the legislatures work and I am glad to see Weber State will be getting at least $2.5 million back. Over all Higher Education will be getting $30,488,300 in back-fill.

You can see a full accounting of the budget here - http://www.le.utah.gov/ASP/Interim/Commit.asp?Year=2009&Com=APPEXE