Legislative update: a briefing for faculty and staff of the University System of Georgia, No. 9 (Mar. 5, 2001)

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
A Briefing for Faculty & Staff of the University System of Georgia
No. 9, March 5, 2001
Conference Committee Passes Amended '01 Budget, Lends Support To Governor's USG Funding Formula Recommendation
Chancellor Communicates Benefits and Challenges of Semester Conversion, Garners Support
Much appreciation was communicated throughout the Capitol during the past week by officials -- especially to the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker, and the six legislators who make up the Conference Committee that decided the final fate of the University System of Georgia's FY '01 Amended Budget.
Senators George Hooks, Charles Walker, and Terrell Starr and Representatives Terry Coleman, Larry Walker and Thomas Buck composed the committee that voted to restore the System's formula funding to the full $24 million initially recommended by Gov. Roy Barnes. The team of powerful legislators helped to remove critical funding roadblocks once Chancellor Stephen Portch resolved issues in budget hearings and individual meetings with key legislators regarding the "cost to the state for semester conversion."
"The chancellor made himself very accessible and accountable on this issue, and in the end, the facts prevailed," stated Tom Daniel, interim senior vice chancellor for external affairs and facilities. "We told our supporters repeatedly that this money is our bread-and-butter' funding. We cannot survive -- let alone thrive -- without it. More importantly, the students are here on our campuses right now. They've already returned from the enrollment dip we experienced with conversion, and they expect quality delivery of programs and services. That message resonated with the Conference Committee.
"Now that we've gotten over this hurdle," Daniel added, "we hope to achieve equal success in conveying the need for the funding formula to compensate the cost of integrating technology into our curriculum and daily administrative operations. That is our next challenge."
Beyond the funding formula, USG officials also expressed appreciation for the extensive support provided in the capital budget for USG construction projects. In all, the received more than $200 million in capital funding. Nearly $9.3 million was earmarked in equipment purchases for the six construction projects funded in last year's capital cycle, $92 million was allocated to construct six new projects on System campuses, and $99.6 million was slated for minor capital projects. (A full listing of those projects follows on Page Two).
The System is slated to receive $15 million in lottery revenues from the Equipment, Technology and Construction Trust Fund, thanks to the $1 million restored in the Conference Committee's version of the Budget.
"Campuses have come to depend on these funds annually to enhance their technology infrastructures," Daniel stated, "and the money is leveraged with privately matched funds. I'm pleased that the Conference Committee saw fit to fully fund this recommendation; the return on the investment will be many times over."
The Conference Committee version of the Budget also allocated $14.2 million in funding to pay anticipated health insurance claims (and maintain adequate reserves) during the current fiscal year, a slight reduction from the $15 million originally recommended by Gov. Barnes to cover increasing health-care costs for USG employees.
Campuses will benefit from the $1.5 million in "draw down funds" provided for the System's Intellectual Capital Program (ICAPP) to meet increased demand from Georgia companies seeking highly skilled personnel. The money will be used to develop customized ICAPP Advantage programs that accelerate the production of high-end workers into the workforce to meet critical needs and geographical demands.
The University System of Georgia also will be a major beneficiary of the state's Tobacco Funds, and will serve a pivotal role -working with the Georgia Research Alliance -- in helping to jumpstart Gov. Barnes' Cancer Initiative. The USG's Office of Facilities will serve as the fiscal agent for the $28.3 million new Tier 3 Cancer Center of Excellence at Grady Hospital, the first

facility to be constructed as a part of the statewide initiative.
In addition to managing the construction project, the System will receive nearly $9 million to provide staffing and research support for the cancer initiative. Matching endowment funding of $4 million has been provided for five bioinformatics eminent scholars. Nearly $250,000 has been allocated to fund five core staff positions with the Georgia Cancer Alliance, with another $1.5 million slated to establish the offices and programs of 13 distinguished cancer clinicians and scientists. Also, $1.5 million has been allocated to fund a study of existing cancer care infrastructure and treatment standards, while another $1.5 million has been set aside to fund an assessment of information needs for the Georgia Cancer Coalition.
"This project will help to position Georgia in the national landscape of cancer research," Daniel said. "It's the state's goal to attract more R & D funding from such federal agencies as the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, and our research universities will assume a vital role in those efforts. We are poised to serve as leaders in this effort."
Capital Projects: These capital projects were funded in the FY 2001 Amended Budget
z Major Capital Projects { Macon State University, Nursing, Health Science & Outreach -- $15,500,000 { Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Agricultural Sciences Building -- $7,005,000 { Darton College, Physical Education Building -- $12,340,000 { Georgia Southwestern State University, HPE Recreation & Student Success Center -- $18,590,000 { Kennesaw State University, Classroom & Convocation Center -- $19,000,000 { Augusta State University, Classroom Replacement (Phase II) -- $18,890,000 { Georgia Tech, Advanced Computing Technology Building -- $660,000*
z Minor Capital Projects { Armstrong Atlantic State University, Upgrade & Expand Electric Distribution System -- $3,000,000 { Atlanta Metropolitan College, Campus Road & Entryway Improvements -- $1,000,000 { Georgia College & State University, Central Chiller Plant -- $4,200,000 { Georgia Southern University, Fine Arts, Phase II (Marvin Pittman Building Renovation) -- $4,500,000 { Georgia State University, Library South Exterior Brick Remediation -- $3,700,000 { Fort Valley State University, O'Neal Veterinary Addition -- $3,000,000 { University of Georgia, Rural Development Center (Tifton) -- $4,900,000 { South Georgia College, Health, Physical Education & Recreation Building Renovation & Pool -- $4,800,000 { Georgia Tech, GTREP Savannah, Building Construction -- $5,000,000 { North Georgia College & State University, Military Leadership Center -- $5,000,000 { Middle Georgia College, Wellness Center & Classroom -- $5,000,000 { Kennesaw State University, Math/Science Classroom Addition -- $4,000,000 { Georgia Southern University, Information Technology Building -- $33,000,000 { University of Georgia, Vaccine/Pharmaceutical Development Facility -- $10,000,000 { Medical College of Georgia, Equip & Renovate Radiation Therapy Center -- $2,200,000 { University of Georgia, Planning/Pre-design of Coverdell Building -- $50,000** { University of Georgia, Internet Portals & Infrastructure for Law School -- $3,200,000 { Valdosta State University, Nevins Hall Renovation --- $240,000 { Georgia College & State University, Old Governor's Mansion Renovation -- $5,000,000
z Equipment money for six capital projects funded in the FY 2000 Budget: { Clayton College & State University, University Learning Center -- $2,845,000 { Columbus State University, Technology & Commerce Center -- $1,100,000 { Georgia Southern University, Science & Nursing Building -- $2,030,000 { Coastal Georgia Community College, Camden Center -- $950,000 { Georgia College & State University, Library & Information Technology Center -- $1,370,000 { Savannah State University, Housing Residence Center -- $1,000,000
*=planning and design funds only (no construction funds) **= contingent on provision of federal/private funds

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