Rutgers' State Budget Appropriation

May 28, 2003

Members of the Rutgers Community:

The state budget process has entered its final weeks and deliberations will come to a close on June 30. My thanks to those of you who have taken the time to reach out to legislative leaders — your words and actions are making a difference.

We must, however, continue to press our case for Rutgers.

Now is the time to contact our elected officials to urge them to support restorations to Rutgers' state appropriation for the fiscal year beginning July 1. We must convince them that the proposed $39.4 million (12 percent) cut in our operating support will have negative consequences for both the university and New Jersey.

We have updated the Rutgers Web site devoted to the proposed budget cuts with a summary of some of the many actions taken by our faculty, staff, students and alumni thus far [http://ruweb.rutgers.edu/statebudgetcuts/revenue.html (site no longer available)]. I will continue vigilantly to urge our government leaders to increase the level of state support for Rutgers, but I need your help. It has never been more important for you to be informed and involved. Let your voice be heard in Trenton. Only by working together can we make a difference.

Sincerely,

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey