05/23/2005

This is a very good day for the University of Nebraska and for the State of Nebraska. Today, four months of work on the part of the Legislature, its Appropriations Committee and Governor Heineman have culminated in the adoption of a budget that addresses the state’s most pressing needs in education and economic development. I believe this is an important investment in the university, and one that puts Nebraska on a path toward a much brighter economic future.

A number of people played key roles in the development of this budget, especially Senator Don Pederson who, as chair of the Appropriations Committee, recognized the opportunity and the need to invest in Nebraska’s research university as part of a long-term strategy to build the state’s competitiveness. The Appropriations Committee and, ultimately, the full Legislature likewise saw the promise that a strong public university brings to a state. And from his first day in office, Governor Heineman clearly established education and economic development as top priorities for his administration. I am grateful to Senator Pederson, members of the Legislature, and Governor Heineman for sharing the vision that higher education can make a difference in Nebraska’s future.