Faculty Senate Urges HEP Membership

Hurricane Ivan did more than beat up Alabama's Gulf Coast, according to UA Faculty Senate president, John Mason. "In August state leaders were projecting a $140 million surplus in Alabama's Education Trust Fund," he said. "We haven't yet assessed the negative impact of Ivan on 'surpluses', but it's bound to affect sales and income tax in the future."

Alabama receives the major portion of revenue from sales and income taxes, which looked earlier like they might exceed expectations. Having no surpluses makes it imperative that UA faculty, staff and students seriously consider joining the Higher Education Partnership and supporting the UAS-PAC, according to Mason. "It's an inexpensive way to show support of higher ed in this state, where it too often gets short shrift," he said.

"We will be holding a membership drive for HEP this month," said Mason. Watch for more details. He challenges UA employees to surpass the number of supporters at UAB and UAH.

State Appropriation Short on Support

A professor of accounting, Mason has calculated that for the first time in his memory, the state appropriation only equals, not exceeds, tuition revenues. "Then the state takes back some of the appropriation for PEEHIP (which pays for K-12 teachers' and retirees' health benefits) and state retirement funds," he added. "So, for the first time I know of, tuition revenue will exceed net funding from the state of Alabama by millions of dollars."

To join the Higher Ed Partnership and support the UAS-PAC, go to www.govenmentrelations.ua.edu and click on the HEP link. Membership is only $1 a month, payroll deducted. Donations to the PAC are entirely voluntary.

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