March 30, 2009

APSAC hears report on Purdue’s state budget request, federal stimulus funds

Jim David, special projects manager, assisted with the report, which highlighted key dates in the planning process for the fiscal 2010 budget, the potential impact of the federal stimulus package, Purdue’s state budget request for the 2009-11 biennium, and cost-saving measures currently being used.

Shipley presented the time-line for internal operating budget planning. Key dates include April 15, when Indiana’s next revenue forecast is expected, and April 29, the deadline for the Legislature to pass a budget bill within its regular session.

Shipley said he has received many questions about how the $787 billion federal stimulus package could affect the University’s upcoming budget.

“The details are still under development, but we have part of the answer,” Shipley said. “In terms of student assistance, Pell Grants have increased from $4,860 to $5,350, and additional funding is going toward the work-study program.”

Purdue could receive money from stimulus funds coming to the state of Indiana as well as see an increase in research funding due to stimulus allocations to the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation.

The University continues to work on cost-saving measures, Shipley said. A task force has been established in the treasurer’s area to focus on cost saving, efficiency and effectiveness.

“To put things in perspective, the Indiana governor said in December that we have an economic crisis, but we’re not necessarily as bad as others,” Shipley said. “We had a 1 percent reduction this year, but state offices had a 10 percent cut. At the University of Arizona, they have taken cuts of about $77 million of the total appropriations of $443 million. It’s not just public schools, either. Private schools are being hit hard, if not harder, because they rely heavily on endowment revenues.

“We’re going through tough times, but not as severe as what our sister institutions are going through.”

In other business, Ed Wiercioch, vice chair of the Professional Development Subcommittee, reported that a panel discussion on money issues and the economy will be held 11 a.m.-noon April 28 in Room 206, Stewart Center.

The event, called “The Economy? So Stimulate Me,” will feature panelists Elizabeth Kiss, Purdue Extension specialist in consumer and family sciences; Charlene Sullivan, associate professor of management; and Bob Falk, president and CEO of Purdue Employees Federal Credit Union.

In addition, APSAC voted to amend its policies and procedures on member emeritus selection and voting protocol for the chair.