Summer and Legislative Outcomes, Aug. 12, 2005

Dear Colleague,

I distinctly remember a time when summer on the University's campus meant a change of pace; more time for reflection and regeneration.  This is not one of those times.

We live in a very competitive environment that continues to heat up.  Our goal of being among the top three Universities, as well as the pressures of maintaining our breakthrough work in health, means the summer no longer provides an opportunity to truly slow down.

Having said that - I want you to know that your work is deeply valued, not only by this office, but also by the broader public in Minnesota based on the successes and outcomes of the legislative session.

I doubt anyone would point to the 2005 Legislative session as an excellent model of governance for Minnesota.  However, the University and its Academic Health Center accomplished its job of successfully advocating for support.  The people of Minnesota  heard us loud and clear this year and understood that the 15 percent cut to the University two years ago was damaging our health professional programs.  Thanks to all who helped in that effort.

Here are the results:
--The Governor recommended, and the legislature supported, nearly full funding of the University's budget request.  That brings us half way back to funding levels before the historic cuts.

--We received capital bonding authority early in the session, and that means construction has begun on improvements to classrooms and buildings.  In addition, the economic development committees approved capital bonding for an added facility in Rochester to house researchers working on the U-Mayo partnership.

--In addition, and outside the higher education appropriations, the state provided $15 million over the next two years to fund research through the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics (U-Mayo partnership).  The RFP for grants is currently posted at http://www.ahc.umn.edu/research/umayo/home.html

--And remember the hullabaloo around increasing cigarette fees?  What you may not have noticed is that our able finance and government relations folks re-negotiated the way a portion of that tax comes to the AHC.  Our tobacco tax revenue is no longer tied directly to the numbers of packs sold - an uncomfortable source for all in health care.  Instead, we receive a fixed dollar amount of more than $22 million per year.

I had an opportunity to visit with clinic staff at our Community University Health Care Center, along with Deans Deborah Powell and Patrick Lloyd.  Being there reminded me again of why we do what we do - the Somali counselor, the Hmong family educator, the nurses, dentists, translators, doctors, and many others who provide health and hope to that community remind me of one of the major reasons we are all here doing what we do. The summer is going fast; I hope you're thoroughly enjoying it.

Frank B. Cerra, M.D.
Senior Vice President for Health Sciences
McKnight Presidential Leadership Chair