Letter to the Editor: The Future of UNI

Over the last few months, we’ve all watched the devastating impact severe budget cuts have on the University of Northern Iowa.  Over the last two years, I’ve watched the House Republican Majority try to slash and cut UNI down to the bone. Last year alone, the cuts proposed by Republicans totaled $7.5 million, which is almost 10% of UNI’s budget. 

Last year, we fought together to keep open the Institute for Decision Making and this year we’re working together to keep open Price Lab and UNI Metal Casting Center.  Just last month, Republicans have suggested another $3 million cut to UNI for the next fiscal year, which starts in July.

At a time when we need to double our skilled workforce to keep up with the rest of world, these deep cuts are the exact opposite of what the Legislature should be doing right now. We need more students to go to college and we need to get even better at educating our kids by training the next generation of Iowa teachers.

I’ve heard the message loud and clear from the people in our community: enough is enough.  I couldn’t agree more.  

Right now, there are three proposals on the table for UNI. The Governor has proposed a status quo budget for UNI with a $3 million boost for the STEM initiative.  The Senate has suggested an $8.5 million increase for UNI next year and Republicans have proposed another $3 million cut to UNI.

I’ve heard over and over again from my Republican colleagues that the state doesn’t have any money, we can’t afford to fund UNI, and we have to cut more.  It’s nonsense.  The state is going to end the current fiscal year with nearly $1 billion in surplus and reserves. Budget projections for next year show the state will have another budget surplus from $200 - $300 million on top of the $600 million sitting in our savings accounts.

With just over a month to go before session ends, you can make a difference for our community and UNI. If you haven’t already, I hope you will contact your legislators and the Governor to tell them to increase state funding for UNI. 

Thank you,

Bob Kressig

Representative Iowa House District 19

Bkressig@cfu.net