Making the case for Rutgers
Archived article from May 12, 2003
By Phyllis Gottlieb
While students have been vocal in their concern about the proposed $39.4 million budget cut to Rutgers' state appropriations — rallying in Trenton March 6, setting up Tent State University April 28– May 2 and writing to the parents of undergraduates asking for support — administrators, faculty, employees and alumni have also been working to convince legislators of the importance of maintaining adequate funding for the university.
President Richard L. McCormick was among the representatives of New Jersey's higher education community who brought their budget concerns to members of the state Legislature in April.
The Assembly held higher education budget hearings April 8, while the Senate conducted similar hearings April 14. In addition to answering questions during these sessions, McCormick is meeting individually with state legislators to explain Rutgers' contributions to New Jersey and the devastating effects the proposed cuts would have, said Sharon Ainsworth, director of state relations.
Meanwhile, alumni, faculty and students took the opportunity to speak at a public hearing held by the Assembly Budget Committee March 19 in Newark. The Senate Budget Committee will hold its public hearing May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the State House Annex, Room 4. Alumni, students and a representative from the Board of Managers of the New Jersey Agricultural Extension Service are scheduled to testify.
Many members of the Rutgers community have been sending letters and e-mail to legislators explaining how a greatly reduced budget would harm both Rutgers and the state. Several have contributed op ed pieces to such newspapers as the Star-Ledger, Trenton Times and Home News Tribune. For more information on the budget situation or to learn how to contact state legislators and media outlets on behalf of Rutgers, visit the Web at www.rutgers.edu/statebudgetcuts/.
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