November 8, 2007

TO: The UMBC Community

FR: Lisa Akchin
Associate Vice President
Marketing and Public Relations

RE: Important Legislative Update

A dedicated funding source for higher education is at risk as the Maryland Senate prepares to vote on Governor O’Malley’s budget plan tonight. The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee approved a one percent increase in the corporate income tax rate but did not support the Governor’s proposal to immediately dedicate half of the revenue raised to new investments in higher education.

It is possible to restore the provision for dedicated funds through amendment of the legislation in the full Senate. It is critical that students, faculty, staff, and alumni contact senators, who will vote on the matter tonight, and delegates, who will vote on the matter tomorrow, urging them to dedicate half of this new revenue to investments in high-quality, affordable higher education.

Please indicate your support for strong, accessible higher education in Maryland by e-mailing your elected officials at http://capwiz.com/usmd/home/.