University of Iowa President Sally Mason is urging state lawmakers to pass Governor Culver’s proposed $700 million economic stimulus package, as she says a portion of that money would help the university recover from last spring’s flooding. "I hope that people will remember that much like Cedar Rapids, much like other parts of Iowa we need a little help, too," Mason says.
Mason testified before the Legislative Oversight Committee today. She showed slides of some of the 24 university buildings damaged by floodwater, and she said the university has done a lot — without asking the state for a lot of help. "The help that we’re asking for is really help with the governor’s initiative on bonding, " Mason said. "We think that that can really help us get to where we need to be."
Some U-of-I classes are being held in temporary quarters and Mason told lawmakers she’s worried students will lose patience and leave the university.