State budget affects new school

With Indiana's new budget still being created, the School of Informatics is especially susceptible to the lack of funds available this year for higher education.\nThe informatics school, which offers classes that link technology to other departments, began offering classes last fall.\nA conference committee is meeting to find a compromise for the state budget. If a budget is not in place by April 29, the legislature must go to a special session that could continue until June 30.\nStart-up money from a Lilly Endowment grant will fund the construction of technology labs that will be located in the former Alpha Omicron Pi house on Third Street, which will be remodeled. \nMichael Dunn, dean of the School of Informatics, said that regardless of private donations, "You cannot fund a school of the quality that we wish through private gifts." \nThe school is receiving much support for state funding, Dunn said.\n"We are receiving support from (people) who have testified on our behalf, sent letters and e-mails, etc., to the legislators," Dunn said. "There is a lot of strong support in the legislature and people want to move Indiana ahead."\nThe Indiana Commission for Higher Education had recommended that the budget allow about $17 million for the School of Informatics.\n"Basically, it's been a roller coaster ride this year during this session, kind of like Space Mountain at Disney World, because we're in the dark," Dunn said. "The school will go forward in any event, but the issue is how fast, and that is why the legislature funding is important."\nState funding is key because officials are hiring new faculty, said Gary Wiggins, director of bioinformatics and chemical informatics programs.\nInterviews are taking place to fill positions with the school.\n"We have interviews going on, but the budget will affect our ability to hire," Wiggins said.\nDunn said regardless of the outcome of the budget session, the school will request more money at the budget session in two years, because the school is unlikely to get the $17 million that was recommended.\nThe last state budget proposed came from Gov. Frank O'Bannon. His plan allowed more money for higher education and gave more money to the school.\nThis was more palatable in the University's eyes, said University spokeswoman Susan Dillman. The governor's proposal was funded by tax increases, so it might not seem as attractive to voting members of the state legislature, she said. \n"The economic slowdown is not giving the legislature the funding that they need in order to give the money to higher education," Dillman said. "The money isn't there and there is some concern about voting for a tax increase."\nDillman said a compromise is needed to come to an agreement for the budget. With the April 29 deadline approaching, pressure is mounting to find common ground.\n"It is impossible to speculate … the funding issue at this point is just a big question mark," said Stephen Keucher, a University assistant vice president and director of the University Budget Office.