HB 1692-FN, making changes to the administration of the university system of New Hampshire. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. William B Smith for the Majority of Finance: The majority was not convinced that the original bill, which eliminated the office of chancellor of the university system of New Hampshire, would achieve its intended cost reductions without financial harm. The bill was amended to require a reduction of $2.4 million/year from university administration, and assigned these funds to reducing the cost of in-state student tuition, starting with the 2014 academic year. It also requires an annual trustee report on efforts to reduce costs of the university system office, as well as on progress on a number of specific areas to improve efficiency and effectiveness of state universities and colleges in preparing New Hampshire residents for employment at all levels and fields. Vote 14-10.
Rep. Timothy L Twombly for the Minority of Finance: The minority believes that the adopted amendment significantly improves the original bill by maintaining the chancellor office. However we disagree with the majority that an additional $2.4 million dollar cut to their budget is warranted at this time, even with the intent that this savings go toward lowering tuition costs. The last budget cut the university system appropriation by almost 50% ($48 million). No other state agency endured such a budget cut. The administration is currently making excellent progress in improved efficiency. This is not the time to cut the university budget further or to micro-manage their work.
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