The president of the board that governs the three state supported universities released a letterThursday seeking support of Iowans against budget cuts to the schools. Board of Regents president, David Miles, says in the letter that the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa make an $8-billion impact on the state annually.
He says the state investment in the institutions has continued to fall, with a drop in the last two years of 20%, or $114-million. The letter says with the Iowa economy beginning to recover, there’s an opportunity for the state to reinvest in our universities.
Miles says and even if the 5% tuition increase currently being discussed is approved, the lion’s share of next year’s shortfall will come from university operations. The letter, which is also signed by president pro-tem Jack Evans concludes saying : “We must end cuts in state appropriations to Iowa’s Public Universities to protect hard-won quality, ensure affordability and access for all Iowans, and ensure that these outstanding institutions serve future generations of Iowans as they have us.”
See the entire letter here: Regents Letter PDF