The North Carolina General Assembly convened Monday, April 25, for its short session, which will focus primarily on budgetary issues. The University’s 2016 legislative priorities are:
- Eliminate private fundraising cap. Last year’s adopted budget capped state spending on fundraising activities to $1 million. During the past five years, $3 million of annual state investment toward fundraising has resulted in an average of $25 million in private contributions and commitments per year to benefit UNC Charlotte.
- Extend 5 percent carryforward authority. The legislature approved an increase in the carryforward authority from 2.5 percent to 5 percent for the biennium to be used for repair and renovation projects. The UNC system seeks to extend carryforward for the next biennium.
- Salary increases for all University employees.
- Funds for faculty recruitment and retention ($3 million). The fund was established in 2006 and has made more than 500 awards across the UNC system to attract and retain top faculty.
- Legislative approval for the student-financed health and wellness center. To finance a new student health and wellness center, UNC Charlotte seeks legislative approval for the debt financing for the facility’s construction and operations. Student fees will increase by $50 for the $64 million center, when it is completed.
We look forward to a successful legislative session and will keep you updated on progress about issues that impact UNC Charlotte. Email Betty Doster with any questions.