Statement concerning pullback in state revenue
France A. Córdova, president, Purdue University
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education announced today (Tuesday, Dec. 22) that Purdue University will need to reduce expenditures by $45.47 million system-wide through fiscal year 2011.
We understand the challenges facing the state of Indiana and began planning more than a month ago for reductions in state funding. We will address the new cut in state support by including it in our ongoing efforts to find sustainable ways to reduce our expenditures.
In anticipation of today's announcement, the West Lafayette campus recently initiated a review of hiring and more stringent energy conservation efforts to reduce expenditures in 2010.
The recommendation from ICHE is in response to Gov. Mitch Daniels' Dec. 4 statement that in light of a continuing decline in tax revenues, the state will cut funding for higher education by $150 million over the remainder of the biennium. This amount represents 6 percent of state general fund support of operating expenses. At that time, the governor also announced that ICHE would work with each state-supported institution to determine its share of the cut.
We are considering options thoughtfully, transparently and with input from students, faculty and staff. Together we will maintain our world-class education and support for our strategic plan.
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu