Budget Update

Current as of June 4, 2010

Dear Colleagues:

With about five minutes to spare before their 5 p.m. required adjournment, the Senate approved an appropriations conference report Thursday by a vote of 22-16. Earlier in the day, senators had failed to approve the measure, splitting 20-20. The House consideration earlier in the day also was approved narrowly, by a vote of 64-54.

The appropriations measure as approved remains subject to gubernatorial vetoes, and the legislators will not return to Columbia to consider those until June 15. Given the closeness of Thursday’s votes, as well as a previous vote to sustain the governor’s veto of court fee increases, this appropriations measure likely is more subject to change through vetoes than in previous years. For that reason, I believe it remains our most prudent course to await the outcome of that full process before finalizing our tuition and fee recommendations to our Board of Trustees. We will keep you informed regarding developments as they warrant.

Sincerely,

Tony DiGiorgio