CSN 2009 Legislative Goals

1. The base budget needs to be restored to the level that the 2007 Legislature approved for CSN’s current year -- $134 million. This is the amount lawmakers approved before we experienced reductions of approximately 10 percent to make up for the state deficit.
2. Make up for the equity gap that has financially disadvantaged CSN for years. (CSN has historically received less from the state compared to peer institutions thanks to a funding formula that disadvantaged CSN’s unique growth pattern. Although that formula has since been remedied, the College never received funds to make up for that disparity.) The Board of Regents have included in the operating priorities for the 2009 Legislature a request of $5 million to begin making up for the funding gap, which is in excess of $20 million annually.
3. Funding and resources need to follow students. We are the largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution in the state. With the economy in crisis, more students, than ever before, are enrolling in CSN. CSN actual enrollments are anticipated to exceed formula projections by over 2,200 this fiscal year. Funding and support for actual students must be addressed.
4. With historic enrollment increases, and budget cuts that have wiped out maintenance funds, CSN is in dire need money to restore its campuses. We are asking for financial support from the Legislature for the following projects:
   1. Cheyenne Remodel, Library/Fire Alarm Retrofit - $31 million
   2. Henderson Public Services Facility (Planning) - $2.5 million
   3. Cheyenne Science Lab Renovation - $8.48 million
   4. West Charleston Classroom/Student Services Building (Planning) - $3.17 million
   5. West Charleston Campus Safety & Infrastructure Improvements - $6.89 million