Three states recently wrapped up their 2008 legislative sessions, resulting in the passage of operating and capital budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. State lawmakers approved funding for new and existing TBED initiatives aimed at diversifying the states' economies through increased investments in energy programs, higher education research initiatives and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
South Dakota
Lawmakers agreed to Gov. Mike Rounds’ recommendation of a one-time appropriation of $3.8 million for construction-related expenditures and $887,000 in operating costs to supplement an $8 million grant for a high speed data network connecting universities and research centers across the state (see the Dec. 12, 2007 issue of the Digest).
The legislature also supported a bond proposal for science facility and laboratory upgrades at the state’s six public universities. HB 1085 authorizes the South Dakota Building Authority to finance up to $74.5 million through the issuance of bonds for projects that are part of an overall strategy to boost the state’s research capabilities.
The fiscal year 2009 approved budget includes $25.4 million in total funds for the Division of Economic Development within the Department of Tourism and State Development, the same level requested by the governor. The recommendation for the Division of Research and Commerce is $4 million from the general fund, and the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority is slated to receive $19.2 million in other funds, a slight increase over FY08.
A $3 million increase was approved for the state's four postsecondary technical institutes -- $2 million for program enhancements and equipment purchases and $1 million for maintenance and repairs. Gov. Rounds opposed the measure and criticized lawmakers for providing funding for the technical institutes while rejecting his proposal of $2.9 million for the third year of the Classroom Connections program, which provides laptop computers to high school students, reports the Associated Press. Lawmakers also rejected the governor's proposal for a mobile computing environment for the state university system and failed to pass a bill that would require the Department of Education to develop a framework for a high school for the 21st century with project-based curriculum in STEM fields.
A bill to provide a 2-cent tax reduction for biodiesel blended fuel supported by the governor was passed by the legislature. Gov. Rounds has until March 17 to veto the bills.
Utah
Lawmakers passed the FY09 budget and FY08 supplemental appropriations last week, providing additional funds for the Utah Science, Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) and directing any remaining funds from last fiscal year to the governing agency. The USTAR Governing Authority is slated to receive $19.3 million in general funds, which includes $11 million for research teams and $4.9 million for Technology Outreach. An additional $2.5 million is included for a one-time expenditure for USTAR research teams and $12 million is earmarked in the capital budget for USTAR research buildings. Another $6.9 million is included in the Public Education budget to establish USTAR Centers, a program to extend the school year for math and science teachers.
Lawmakers also passed SB 103, providing more than $20 million to the state's institutions of higher education from the Education Fund for FY 2008-09 enhancements, according to the Utah Daily Chronicle. This includes funding to advance math and science fields, promote regional economic development, improve laboratories, and hire more science faculty. Additional higher education initiatives slated for funding within the budget include: