Today the Governor released his recommended 2009-10 budget. The complete budget recommendation can be found here. Here are some of the key points from the budget:

 

Overall Budget:

• $66 Billion budget (Includes $4.7 Billion in Economic Stimulus funding)
• $10.3 B – Transportation and Economic Development
• $21.5 B – Education
• $2.3 B – Environment
• $4.9 B – Public Safety
• $25.2 B Health and Human Services
• $1.8 B – General Government

No state employee layoffs or furloughs are recommended. Agency heads have the authority to approve flexible work schedules, such as four-day workweeks, to assist employees in accomplishing their jobs in an effective and efficient manner.

Telecommuting is a flexible work option that can provide measureable financial benefits associated with reduced office space requirements, reductions in energy consumption, and reductions in associated emissions of greenhouse gases.

Beginning June 1, 2010, the state share of State Group Health Insurance Program premiums will increase to an annual rate of $473.62 for individual coverage and $1,004.14 for family coverage. Recognizing the tough financial times each employee faces, the Governor proposes that this entire increase be paid by the State.

 

Higher Education:

• The Governor emphasized the importance of a great university system.
• The Governor publicly thanked Senator Pruett and Representative Weatherford for the tuition differential bill.
• Board of Governors General Office Budget:      
• The Governor is recommending no additional cuts in positions or funding.

SUS Operating Budget:

• SUS Budget Reductions – The Governor is recommending no additional cuts to the SUS operating budget.
• Lump Sum Funding – The Governor is recommending lump sum funding with allocations by university in accordance with Board of Governors methodology.
• Economic Stimulus - $131 million has been added to the operating budget. The Board of Governors would determine the allocation by university.
• Tuition Increase – A base tuition increase of 5%. An additional 10% tuition differential could be implemented if legislation is passed.

SUS Fixed Capital Outlay Budget:

The Governor recommends $89,761,459 for university PECO projects, but does not name specific university projects. This is $55,660,281 less than the amount approved by the BOG in January.

The reduced PECO budget supports a proposed funding shift from prior year general revenue funded capital outlay projects to current year operations. The net effect is reduced funding for new construction and increased funding for university operations. ($425 million was appropriated for university PECO projects in 2008-09). See note below for specific project listing.

No funding is recommended for the Alec P. Courtelis Facilities Enhancement Challenge Grant Program.

PECO funding for minor repair projects (PECO formula funds) is funded at the BOG approved amount of $33,136,880.

 

Note

SECTION 28. The sum of $55,660,281 from unexpended balances of General Revenue funds appropriated to the State University System for the following projects shall revert immediately and is appropriated in the same amount for Fiscal Year 2009-10 from the Public Education Capital Outlay and Debt Service Trust Fund.

 

1. FGCU - Solar Field Installation, - 7,000,000

2. USF - Health Renovation/Remodeling - 2,333,330

3. USF - Health Children Research Institute - 701,557

4. FAU - Communication and Multimedia Studies - 1,500,000

5. FSU - Ringling Museum Gallery Improvements - 418,338 

6. FSU - College of Education Multipurpose - 1,000,000

7. UCF – Engineering III Enhancement - 384,869

8. UCF - Burnett BioMedical Science Enhancement - 260,258

9. UCF - Laboratory Instruction Building – 7,612,827

10. UF - Cellulosic Ethanol Plant -  18,130,471

11. FGCU - Naples Botanical Gardens - 1,465,010

12. SUS Projects - 425,000

13. UCF - FL CTR ARTS/ED -  14,428,621