THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA Governor Haley Releases FY 2015-16 Executive Budget On Friday, January 15, Governor Nikki Haley (Clemson '94) released her Executive Budget proposal for 2016-17.
The Governor's budget recommended level funding for Clemson E&G.
The Governor's budget makes the following recommendation for Clemson PSA:
- $737,500 increase in recurring funds for agriculture extension programs
In both her Executive Budget release and in the State of the State address, the Governor stated that she will only accept a borrowing proposal for K-12 education infrastructure. The Governor also stated that she would veto any bond bill for higher education.
The prepared text of the Governor's State of the State address may be found here.
BUDGET Clemson Public Service and Agriculture's budget hearing was held Wednesday, January 20 before the Economic Development and Natural Resources Subcommittee. President Clements and Dr. George Askew (Vice President for PSA) delivered Clemson PSA's presentation before the Subcommittee.
Detailed information on Clemson PSA's state legislative and budget priorities for FY 2016-17 may be found here.
President Jim Clements is scheduled to give Clemson's Education and General (E&G) budget presentation to the Ways and Means Higher Education Subcommittee on Tuesday, February 2. Colleges and universities giving their budget presentations this week included Francis Marion University, the College of Charleston, the University of South Carolina system and the Citadel.
The State Budget Process The House Ways and Means Committee (where the appropriations bill originates) will continue agency budget subcommittee hearings through January.
House Ways and Means Subcommittees that deliberate Clemson's budget requests
Economic Development and Natural Resources Subcommittee: Representative Gary Simrill, Chairman (R-York) Representative Dwight Loftis (R-Greenville) Representative Leon Stavrinakis (D-Charleston) Staff: AJ Newton
Higher Education Subcommittee: Representative Jim Merrill, Chairman (R-Charleston) Representative Philip Lowe (R-Florence) Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D-Orangeburg) Staff: Kara Brurok
BILLS OF INTEREST The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have potential impact on Clemson. A complete listing of these bills may be found here. Click on the bill number for a description of the legislation, along with the bill's current status.
CLEMSON ON CAPITOL HILL Winter Storm Jonas Impacts Capitol Hill The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that all federal government offices in Washington will remain closed on Monday. The House of Representatives have cancelled votes this week and the Senate has postponed votes until Wednesday evening.
President's Administration Proposes Pell Expansions The Obama administration is proposing two expansions of Pell Grants at a total cost of $2 billion, which will be included in the President's FY 2017 budget proposal to be released next month.
The first, Pell for Accelerated Completion, would allow students to receive up to three grant awards in an academic year. The program would provide qualifying full-time students with Pell funds year round, including an additional $1,915, on average. The second proposal, On-Track Pell Bonus, would provide an additional $300 to students who take at least 15 credits per semester.
The two proposals are intended to help students graduate on time.
FYI
| 
