Senate Democrats today unveiled a bill that would freeze state hiring, contracts, equipment purchases, and travel (with very limited exceptions). The aim is to save $105 million between now and the end of June. Here’s a news report on what the bill (SB 5460) would do.
We testified in the Senate Ways and Means Committee today about several serious consequences the bill, as presently drafted, would have for the UW. Specifically, the hiring and purchasing freeze extends beyond those positions funded with state dollars. Our concerns include:
1. Hospitals. Over 4,000 employees are funded by patient revenues not the general fund. Many vacancies must be filled to insure patient safety.
2. Federal and private research grants. Over 7,000 employees are funded through these grants. A freeze on positions and equipment could jeopardize completion of competitively awarded grants. Also, the inability to create new federally funded positions will make receipt of future federal stimulus funding impossible. AIDS research in Africa or climate research in the Arctic Ocean would not be possible.
All indications are the bill is on a fast track, but we are hopeful that lawmakers will hear these concerns and allow the flexibility needed to meet our health care, research, and educational missions. More as it develops. . .