Budget Cuts Finalized; $35.4 million cut for USM

Governor O'Malley brought a final list of budget cuts to the Board of Public Works today.  Among cuts, the Governor cut the state contribution for the University System of Maryland by 1.5%, totalling $15.6 million.  Notably, the USM also recieved a $20 million cut from its general fund.  Other cuts in Higher Education include:

• Community College Local Aid- $8.2 million
• Maryland Higher Education Commission Operations and Scholarships- $8.9 million

The USM saw greater than expected cuts; but in relation to other departments and the USM's share of the discretionary budget, the USM fared relatively well.  These cuts are part of a nearly $300 million budget cut proposal, as highlighted in an article in The Sun.