UConn-AAUP Update: May 10, 2024
In this issue:
End of the 2024 Legislative Session Message
Dear Members,
I write to you as the legislative session comes to an end with passage of the State Budget Stabilization Bill with good news and not-so-good news.
Good news, first: THANK YOU, AND CONGRATULATIONS! Your efforts in reaching out to your legislators with letters, emails, one-on-one conversations, testimonies, and your persistence with university leadership over their ask of the governor and legislature have paid off! From rallies to op-eds in state newspapers, and even national media coverage, the demands for a healthy UConn budget garnered considerable attention and support. As described to us by the top legislative leaders, it was the rank-and-file members—YOU— who were able to secure more funding than the administration had initially requested in December. It has been inspiring to see chapter members amplify their voices, not only at the legislature, but at the Board of Trustees meetings and beyond.
The not-so-good news: As we were informed by the UConn CFO, any shortfall of the $96.4M ask will be made up with funds from the first year of the Provost’s Financial Plan. The total amount of funds for UConn Storrs included in the Stabilization Bill is $78.8M.
Our organizing and membership development efforts have will continue in earnest. We will build on our successes and return stronger in the fall. Your fellow colleagues are expecting this of themselves and others. We have a long, hard road ahead, but the stronger the union, the sweeter the victories.
In solidarity,
Jeffrey Ogbar
President