Statehouse Report 8
February 23, 2009
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS
Oh What a Week!
The action in the halls of the statehouse was electric this past week with the passage of the House version of the first year of the upcoming biennial budget, final deadline for hearing bills in committee, and on Tuesday, a record breaking crowd of IU and Purdue advocates coming together in support of the Indiana Innovation Alliance.
Biennial Budget Deliberations
On Tuesday, HB 1001 was amended in the House Ways and Means committee to incorporate most state appropriations, including universities. Due to their concerns over the uncertain economic climate, the House Democrats took the unusual step of producing a one-year rather than a biennial, two-year budget.
Given the economic environment, Indiana University is most pleased with the priority that was placed on higher education and IU funding. Operating appropriations were increased by one percent and additional funding was provided to campuses eligible for enrollment increase funding. The Indiana University School of Medicine Centers for Medical Education throughout the state also saw a one percent increase. In addition, the House Budget prioritized the IU/Purdue Indiana Innovation Alliance initiative as it was funded in full as requested at $35 million. Critical formula funding for renovation and rehabilitation of existing facilities was restored and maintained in the Bill. Finally, funding for all of IU's capital projects was included in the bill. Capital projects included were:
- Neurosciences Building (IUPUI) -- $33 million
- Cyber Infrastructure Building (IUB) -- $35.7 million
- Laboratory Renovations (IUB and (IUPUI) -- $37 million
- Multidisciplinary Science Building Phase III (IUB) -- $42.4 million
- Tammarack Hall (IUNW) -- $33 million
- Northside Hall Renovation (IUSB) -- $19.1 million
- Health and Wellness Facility (IUK) -- $17.5 million
- Health and Wellness Facility (IUE) -- $17.5 million
- Education and Technology Building (IUS) -- $22 million
- International Studies Building (IUB) -- $47 million
- Land Acquisition -- $20 million
In addition, two IU projects -- Neurosciences Phase I (IUPUI) and Education and Arts (IUSB) -- approved in 2007 but not released, were also authorized for release to construction in this Budget Bill.
The bill passed the House on Friday by a 52-44 party-line vote. While the House-passed version is expected to be drastically changed in the Senate, it represents recognition of the important role that higher education institutions play in the state's future. Indiana University appreciates the support displayed by the House in the Budget Bill.
Hoosiers for Higher Education and Indiana Innovation Alliance Day
The 18th Annual Hoosiers for Higher Education Statehouse Visit and Indiana Innovation Alliance Day was held on February 17 with a record crowd of over 700 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. For the first time in the history of HHE Day, Purdue representatives joined in support of IIA and higher education. The day's proceedings included exhibits featuring research, projects, graduate study and entrepreneurial enterprises that demonstrated the core principles of the Alliance. The official program featured remarks from IU President Michael McRobbie and Purdue President France Córdova, Sen. Vi Simpson (D-Bloomington), Rep. Randy Truitt (R-West Lafayette), Luke Fields, President of the IU Student Association and Jill Steiner, Purdue Board of Trustees student representative.
Other Legislation Followed in Week Seven
HB 1188 (Rep. Porter) College Head Start: The bill, which intends to increase dual credit course offerings for juniors and seniors in high school, was reported out of the Education Committee. The bill was amended to address higher education concerns regarding teacher selection and reporting requirements. Indiana University will continue to work with the bill author and Senate sponsors to address further concerns regarding funding formulas as the bill moves to the Senate.
HB 1620 Energy Efficient Buildings: Authored by Rep. Matt Pierce from Bloomington, the bill would require most public buildings, including university facilities, to be constructed or rehabilitated according to LEED or similar energy efficient standards and would permit universities to expand use of energy savings contracts. In response to concerns about applying the standards to small repair and rehabilitation projects, the bill was amended on second reading to exempt projects with a cost of less than $2 million.
SB 232 Public Access Issues: This bill was reported out of committee after being amended to address some concerns that were raised in initial testimony. The bill makes changes to existing open meeting and requests for public records statute.
SB 393 Primary Care Physician Loan Forgiveness Program: This bill, authored by Sen. Vi Simpson of Bloomington, would encourage additional medical school graduates to enter primary care practice through establishing a new loan forgiveness program. IU testified in support of the bill.
Looking Ahead
This week, all attention moves to the floors of each chamber. All bills must pass second reading by Tuesday and pass third reading on Wednesday. After a few more long nights, the General Assembly will take a short break on Thursday and Friday before work begins on bills that passed the opposite chambers the following week.
