The 428th Session of the Maryland General Assembly began on Jan. 12 and will adjourn on April 11. In those three months much will be decided upon that will impact the University of Maryland community.

Governor O'Malley submitted his FY2012 budget to the General Assembly on Jan. 21. The University System of Maryland (USM) leadership worked closely with the governor and legislature to ensure continued access to exceptional and affordable academic opportunities, and to advocate for each of the system universities and their faculty, staff, and students. We are most appreciative that the governor was able to maintain essentially flat funding for the University.

The governor and General Assembly are confronted with a structural deficit of $1.9 billion, but the proposed budget includes no furloughs for state employees. As in FY2011, this year's budget for USM does not include employee salary increases, enrollment growth incentives or program enhancements. Please keep in mind that while the General Assembly has the authority to cut the governor's budget, it cannot add to it or transfer funds among programs. It is important to remember that while the governor introduced the budget, the General Assembly will make changes to it, and the final product will look different from that which was introduced.

I want to thank each of you for your continued support and dedication during these challenging times. I am confident that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I will continue to keep you updated on developments in the legislature.

Sincerely,
Jay A. Perman, MD
President