WMU News

President Floyd on completion of state funding process

June 10, 1999

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University President Elson S. Floyd commented today on the final passage of a 1999-2000 higher education budget that will increase the University's base funding by 5 percent and, as part of a separate piece of legislation, give the University a 2 percent increase in one-time money for infrastructure, technology, equipment and maintenance.

The budget was approved by both the House and Senate following a Conference Committee meeting to hammer out differences between the two chambers' higher education budgets.

"The budget process this year has been a long, hard road," said Floyd. "With the help of our alumni and faculty, we have spent countless hours making the case for proper recognition and fair funding for our University. The entire Southwest Michigan legislative delegation has stood firmly behind Speaker Perricone's personal efforts on our behalf. Chuck Perricone and our friends in the legislature delivered and for that we are eternally grateful.

"Senator John J.H. Schwarz, chairman of the Senate Higher Education Subcommittee, fashioned a very fair budget that set the stage for this final product," Floyd continued. "The students and families at all the public institutions in this state are the clear winners. On behalf of our students, alumni, faculty and staff, I want to offer my deepest gratitude to our friends in Lansing."

For additional information about the 1999-2000 state higher education budget, contact Jeff Breneman, WMU's associate vice president for legislative affairs, at (616) 387-2071.

Media contact: Matt Kurz, 616 387-8400, matt.kurz@wmich.edu


Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
616 387-8400
univ-rel@wmich.edu

http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news