An Act To Ensure Funding for Higher Education

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §10910  is enacted to read:

§ 10910.  Funding

No later than fiscal year 2014-15 and in every fiscal year thereafter, the percentage of funding for the university that is provided from General Fund appropriations must be at least 55%. Beginning in fiscal year 2009-10 and in each fiscal year until fiscal year 2014-15, the percentage of funding for the university that is provided from General Fund appropriations must increase toward the 55% level required in fiscal year 2014-15.

Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA §12723  is enacted to read:

§ 12723.  Funding

No later than fiscal year 2014-15 and in every fiscal year thereafter, the percentage of funding for the system that is provided from General Fund appropriations must be at least 55%. Beginning in fiscal year 2009-10 and in each fiscal year until fiscal year 2014-15, the percentage of funding for the system that is provided from General Fund appropriations must increase toward the 55% level required in fiscal year 2014-15.

Sec. 3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE

Educational and General Activities

Initiative: Provides additional funding for a 5% total increase in funding in each year of the biennium.

GENERAL FUND	2007-08	2008-09
All Other	$3,154,821	$7,771,133
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$3,154,821	$7,771,133

summary

This bill provides additional funding for the University of Maine System to provide a 5% total increase in funding in each year of the biennium. It also provides that no later than fiscal year 2014-15 the percentage of funding for the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System that is provided from General Fund appropriations must be at least 55%.