Likins presents budget at Legislature

"There is no better way for you to spend money than an investment in education," Likins told the 15-member committee.

The Arizona International Campus topped the president's agenda, as both the governor's and Legislature's initial budget recommendation proposed an AIC funding cut.

"It is a short-term challenge," Likins said, citing lofty goals for the branch campus but little planning for the infrastructure the campus needs to succeed.

"It has met every academic test," he said, "but the financial tests have been very severe."

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee recommended a $1.1 million funding cut and Gov. Jane Hull's proposal asked for a $2 million AIC cut.

Likins asked that the funding remain flat at $2.8 million, like this year and last.

"If there will be a surge of 18-year-olds looking for an education, we need to be prepared for that," he said.

In addition to AIC, Likins asked the Legislature to boost teacher merit pay increases from 2.5 percent to 3 percent - a proposal that would cost an additional $1.2 million.

"We need to reward those valiant souls who are working harder every day," Likins said of the UA faculty. "We must reward those faculty members who are performing."

The Teacher Incentive Program, which stipulates the formula to determine who gets the increases, has drawn fire from both lawmakers and faculty. A separate joint subcommittee is looking into revamping the measure.

Likins also appealed for $1.3 million in increased library-acquisition funding so the UA library can keep current with journals and continue to make inroads into cyberspace and electronic media.

"The entire learning experience on university campuses is changing nationally," Likins said, citing the proliferation of the Internet as an indication that students need to be proficient with computers to succeed after graduation.

In addition to his top priorities, Likins also pitched various decision packages, or projects that top the university wish list.

Legislators later questioned Likins on space utilization, progress on the UA Science and Technology Park, the new Liver Research Institute, and the proposed Memorial Student Union renovations and student fee that failed last year.

"I would invite you all to the basement of the Student Union where the miseries are all evident," Likins said, responding to a question by Rep. Andy Nichols, D-Tucson.

"We are, at the moment, at somewhat of an impasse," Likins said.

Also on hand were the presidents of Arizona's two other state universities and two regents. Regents President Rudy Campbell put in another plug for AIC.

"We don't have a liberal arts college in this state, and we need to provide that alternative," he said.

Associated Students President Gilbert Davidson and members of the Arizona Students' Association also attended the meeting.

Likins will make a similar presentation to the Senate Appropriations Committee today. After that, meetings will move behind closed doors as university, Legislature and executive staffers hash out the final budget.