New science complex fully funded, and other wins from Annapolis this session

Take a look back at the Maryland General Assembly through a TU lens to learn how TU and legislators were at work for our campus community.

By Sean Welsh on April 15, 2019

State House in Annapolis

The 2019 Maryland General Assembly session concluded last week with the legislature demonstrating continued support and recognition of Towson University as a first-choice higher education institution in Maryland.

A number of decisions were made that positively affect Towson University and its faculty, staff and students.

Those legislative wins for TU enable the forward progress of a number of presidential priorities for President Kim Schatzel that advance opportunities for faculty, staff and students.

Directly impacting students, faculty & staff

The operating budget appropriation approved by the General Assembly to the University System of Maryland totals $1.49B in funding from the General Fund and the Higher Education Investment Fund. That figure marks an increase of 7 percent — or $100 million over the FY 2019 revised budget.

One result of those increases gives the USM the ability to offset tuition increases and other programming priorities.

There is a 3 percent cost of living adjustment for all state employees that takes place on July 1.

Operating budget

The total operating budget allowance for FY20 approved by the budget committees is $532.6M from general funds and special funds combined. 

This allowing includes $2M to increase TU’s funding guideline attainment level, $2.2M in costs associated with opening the new science building, and $1.7M for workforce development initiatives. 

Capital budget

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland & Strategic Plan Alignment.