ORONO – University of Maine System Chancellor Dannel Malloy issued the following statement
today regarding Governor Mills’ FY22-23 biennial budget proposal that preserves future funding
for education, research and economic development at Maine’s public universities at pre-
curtailment current fiscal year levels ($230.8M):
“On behalf of the tens of thousands of Mainers who rely on the stability of our universities, I
want to thank Governor Mills for preserving the state appropriation that supports Maine’s public
universities, which will protect the pathway to prosperity for our students and the state,” said
Chancellor Malloy.
“The pandemic has been financially devastating to our universities, just as it has been to State
budgets. Sustained State appropriation for the University of Maine System is essential to our
ability to keep the people of Maine on track for the future through affordable, high-quality
postsecondary education and skill development. We look forward to working with the Governor
and our partners in the Legislature in the months ahead to ensure Maine’s investment in its
public universities directly contributes to the state’s health and economic well-being.”
A companion FY21 supplemental budget released today by Governor Mills also included a
welcome $2.5 million in additional State support for high school students to earn free early
college credit through Maine’s public universities and community colleges – raising their
aspirations and workforce readiness while reducing student debt. Enrollment in UMS early
college programs has increased nearly 70 percent during the pandemic, exhausting the amount
originally appropriated by the Legislature for the program this fiscal year.
UMS generates at least $7.50 in statewide economic impact for every $1 of State appropriation.