UConn Trustees Chairman: Proposed Cuts are 'Over The Top'

STORRS, CT — University of Connecticut Board of Trustees Chairman Larry McHugh on Wednesday offered the following remarks about proposed budget cuts to the university in the Republican budget passed by the state legislature last week.

The trustees met on Wednesday.

Here is a transcript of McHugh's remarks:

"We should all be thankful for Governor Malloy’s strong support of higher education.
And those members of the Senate and House who are strong supporters of UConn.

"As you know, I have been involved in supporting higher education in Connecticut for
over 34 years. The Republican sponsored budget that just passed the General
Assembly is probably the worst attack on public education I have seen in those 34
years. This budget is a disaster for higher ed.

"I want to be clear that we are open to taking cuts. We were prepared to accept over
$100 million in cuts under the governor’s budget. But this massive $300 million cut
is over the top. It threatens all the progress that has been made in making our
university the pride of the state and undercuts the tremendous investment that has
been made in UConn.

"I have always said that we need to strive for excellence and I will not apologize for
supporting a university that works toward that goal.

"In my work at the Chamber of Commerce, I meet and work with members of the
business community all day long. The State’s economy is fragile. Regardless of the
type and size of the business, the one common theme is how important it is to have
a well-educated workforce.

"Since a majority of our students remain here to live and work in Connecticut after
they graduate, UConn is a place that these businesses count on as a source for its
future hires. UConn is the catalyst for economic growth by providing the brain
power, research, employees, and support to companies from start-ups to major
corporations.

"A strong UConn will help our economy to get back on the right track. So to make
large cuts just for the sake of getting to a particular budget number is short-sighted
to say the least.

"Every state in the nation takes pride in its flagship university. We have just been
ranked number 18 out of 132 public national universities.

"Because of that, we are the envy of other states that strive to achieve that level of
success. We are at a moment where our public leaders must make a choice as to
whether or not they want an outstanding flagship University. So much of our
economy depends on that choice. If the reputation and quality of UConn suffers, so
will the economy, and it will lay squarely at the feet of those who make the public
policy decision to sacrifice the University of Connecticut.

"We know that we must be part of the solution and demonstrate shared sacrifice.

"Since 2010, we have contended with over $142 million in cuts. We never
complained. When the Governor proposed a budget that would mean having to
absorb another $100 million in cuts, we did not complain. We said we would do our
part. Let’s be clear that those are massive cuts. But to propose triple that amount is
not something we can just stay quiet about.

"What I am so proud of is that the UConn Nation has come together in reaction to this
budget. Members of the UConn Nation, including alumni, students, parents,
patients, donors, and sports fans, are represented in every town and district of this
state. They are paying attention to how this budget will impact the economy, their
healthcare, critical research, student success, and the value of their degree.

"Finally, I want to say how proud I am of how President Herbst has been out there
defending UConn. She knows that now is not the time to sit idly by. Fighting for our
budget is her job.

"But let me make one thing perfectly clear. Any major cuts to programs whether at
Storrs, UConn Health, or any of the regional campuses will be decided by the Board
of Trustees, based on the university’s recommendations. With these massive cuts
looming, everything is on the table. The Board will make those decisions based on
what is in the overall best interest of protecting this great university, and not on
politics.

"I pledge that we will work to keep this university a place that all of Connecticut can
continue to be proud of. Stick with us. We will need all your help."