5 Questions With...

Connie Kihm '95
Chairperson, Towson Advocacy Program

Q: As the chair of the TAP Program for seven years, why do you think this election-year session will be important?
A: The electorate has demonstrated a desire for fiscal restraint. Facing structural deficits and budget cuts, we need to impress upon the General Assembly the importance of higher education to the economic health of the State of Maryland. As a leader in producing more health professionals, business undergraduates, and teachers than any other university in the state, Towson drives Maryland's economic engine. We must insure that the growth Towson University has experienced over the past 7 years continues.

Q: How did the elections change the face of the legislature in relation to TU?
A: We will now have two state senators who are TU alumni -- Kathy Klausmeier and Karen Montgomery, and eight delegates who are alumni - including two new faces! Click here to see a list of our TU Alumni Legislators in the Maryland General Assembly.

Q: What is your request of TU Alumni during the session?
A: Stay informed on the issues facing the General Assembly that affect higher education and Towson University through the TAP enewsletter. Be prepared to call, write, email and even visit your elected officials on matters that affect your alma mater. We can be a significant force in shaping policy, but we must be informed.

Q: How can alumni stay involved with the legislators after the session?
A: By staying engaged in your local district and getting to know your elected officials, you have a stronger voice when contacting them on behalf of Towson University. Attend town meetings and local community events if possible and spread the buzz about Towson.

Q: Why do you feel it's important to advocate on behalf of TU through Towson's TAP program?
A: As proud alumni, we need to insure Towson University's place in the future of the State of Maryland. Towson affords thousands of Maryland citizens a quality education at an affordable price. By encouraging the legislature to fund Towson, we support Towson's proud tradition and pave the way for a brighter future.

Towson University 2016

Closing the Achievement Gap

With college completion a national and state priority, Towson University is receiving national recognition as a 'top gainer' in graduating students with graduate rates that surpass its peer institutions by 20 percent. The Chronicle for Higher Education highlighted Towson's overall graduation rates (65 percent) are up 10 percent over five years and 10 points above the national average. Recently, the Education Trust named Towson among 11 colleges and universities in the nation where graduation rates for minority students meet or exceed those of whites. In a 10 year period, Towson University raised black graduation rates (67 percent) by 30 points and closed a 14-point gap between black and whites, according to  the Washington Post.

2016 Plan | Guiding Principles

New in the News

Read up on the latest higher education issues that have appeared in the news recently:

• Governor's legislative priorities tout wind power, health care exchange-- Gazette.net
• Pension system sees 14.3% return on investments-- Maryland Reporter.com
• County averts cuts in state aid in O'Malley budget-- The Towson Patch
• Bill to boost the alcohol tax introduced in Maryland--Baltimore Business Journal
• Read O'Malley's 2011 legislative agenda-- The Baltimore Sun
• O'Malley budget proposal: no furloughs but cuts to health care, aid to counties-- the Baltimore Sun
• Immigration tuition breaks prompt Md. suit-- The Washington Post

Legislative Bills and hearings

Click here to read Governor Martin O'Malley's Maryland Budget Highlights for Fiscal Year 2012

Please note that page 21 of Governor O'Malley's budget highlights includes the progress Maryland has made in making higher education affordable. For Towson University to continue offering a quality education to our 21,840 students, maintain a graduation rate of over 70% and continue to close the achievement gap for minority students it is important to ensure the Governor's budget for higher education remains intact as the legislature proceeds with the budget process. The budget as presented is built on a modest 3% tuition increase for in-state, undergraduate students. The Governor's focus on making higher education affordable has enabled the University System of Maryland tuition rates to decline from 6th highest in nation to an estimated 25th in FY 2012. The full FY2012 operating budget can be accessed here.

The following bills have been introduced to the legislature recently:

HB 70 Status as of January 21, 2011: Bill is in the House - First Reading
Appropriations
Budget Bill Fiscal Year 2012
House: Appropriations

HB 71 Status as of January 21, 2011: Bill is in the House - First Reading Appropriations
Creation of State Debt - Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2011, and the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loans of 1996, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010
House: Appropriations

HB 72 Status as of January 21, 2011: Bill is in the House - First Reading Appropriations
Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2011
House: Appropriations

HB 127 Status as of January 24, 2011: Bill is in the House - First Reading Ways and Means
State Board of Education - Financial Literacy Curriculum - Graduation Requirement
House: Ways and Means

SB 109 Status as of January 21, 2011: Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Education
Health and Environmental Affairs
Public Institutions of Higher Education - Course Credit - Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Examinations
Senate: Education Health and Environmental Affairs

SB 167 Status as of January 24, 2011: Bill is in the Senate - First Reading Education
Health and Environmental Affairs
Higher Education - Tuition Charges - Maryland High School Students
Senate: Education Health and Environmental Affairs

Upcoming Briefings:

January 26, 2011 at 3 PM
Briefing on Public Employees' and Retiree's Benefit Sustainability
Joint Hearing Room

January 27, 2011 at 2 PM
Overview Maryland's Revenue Structure - Department of Legislative Services
House Ways and Means Committee

January 28, 2011 at 1 PM
Capital Fiscal Briefing
Public Debt
House Appropriations Committee

January 31, 2011 at 3 PM
Higher Education Overview
Maryland Higher Education Commission
HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATION & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Room 145

February 1, 2011 at 1 PM
Higher Education Overview
Maryland Higher Education Commission
SENATE BUDGET AND TAXATION SUBCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, BUSINESS AND RESOURCES - 3 West, Miller