Budget Cuts

The state budget office notified department heads this week that an alarming drop in anticipated tax revenue could lead to deep cuts in programs and services, including the Montana University System.

Associate Commissioner of Higher Education Kevin McRae said the legislature came through in a big way for higher education in a season where the cuts could have been catastrophic.

University of Montana officials are surveying their staff to see how many may wish to retire in order to cut the budget.

There is danger brewing in Helena in the halls of the Montana Legislature over how many millions of dollars may have to be cut from the University system budget.

At the Montana Legislature's House Appropriations budget hearing on Wednesday morning, Director of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, Sheila Hogan, had harsh words for what she termed drastic budget cuts to her department.

Tuition for University of Montana students could skyrocket by up to 23 percent, should budget projections hold true for the University system from the state legislature.

Due to a projected shortfall in the state gas tax fund, Governor Steve Bullock has responded by proposing a cut in funding and personnel in the Montana Highway Patrol.

The Montana Board of Regents is meeting on Wednesday in Billings, and officials are hinting that there will be few surprises when it comes to enrollment throughout the university system.

The College of Humanities and Sciences at the University of Montana is working on meeting cuts that seem to be higher than anyone expected. The department may even have to shave off up to 50 percent of its operational costs.

UM Advocacy Coalition reacts to budget cuts proposed by President Royce Engstrom with meeting on campus yesterday.