Hunter
05/26/22
The Iowa Board of Regents asked for a $22.1 million increase in funding for its state-run universities. Governor Reynolds asked for 12.2 million. The state budget provided a lot less.
The Gazette reports that the budget finalized early Wednesday offers a $6.2 million increase, just over a quarter of what the Regents asked for and deemed essential to provide high-quality education.
Regents President Michael Richards, in a statement to the paper, says that they are very appreciative of the appropriations, adding that the Regents have had a great partnership with the state for more than a century, and it continues to provide significant resources to our institutions. He called it “unfortunate” that the legislators couldn’t even come close to what Governor Reynolds proposed, but Richards said they’re thankful the state recognizes that the universities are key drivers of the state economy.
The smaller-than-expected appropriation comes after the state denied the universities any general education funding increase last year. The Regents had asked for an increase of $18 million and restoration of an $8 million cut earlier.