Resolution

 

Whereas, the Board of Regents of Higher Education understands the fiscal constraints and the magnitude of the state budget deficit under which the state legislature and executive are operating in the current legislative session, and

 

Whereas, the Board of Regents recognizes that increases in certain fees, charges and taxes may be required during the current session as a short term solution to avoid the curtailment or elimination of valuable and essential public services; and

 

Whereas, the Board of Regents has concluded that, Montana must have a strong economy to generate ongoing, sufficient tax revenue to provide permanent and stable state support for valuable and essential public services, including higher education, and

 

Whereas, the Board of Regents has concluded that Montana cannot substitute increased taxes for a strong economy as the means to generate sufficient revenue to provide permanent and stable state support for valuable and essential public services, including higher education; therefore�

 

The Board of Regents Does Hereby Resolve, that the Board of Regents will support the state legislature and executive if they determine increases in certain fees, charges and taxes are required during the current session as a short term solution to avoid the curtailment or elimination of valuable and essential public services, including higher education, and

 

Be It Further Resolved, thatthe Board of Regents supports efforts to produce a strong economy as the long term solution to provide ongoing, sufficient revenue for permanent and stable state support for valuable and essential public services, including higher education, rather than increasing taxes in a fashion that endangers development of a strong economy, and

 

Be It Further Resolved, that the Board of Regents dedicates itself to work as partners with the legislative, executive, business and education communities to improve the Montana economy.

 

Submitted by Regent Mercer

January 16-17, 2003