University preparing for 2008 budget cuts
Budgets cuts have ruled the State University System this year - and next year isn't looking any better, according to recent estimates by legislative
officials.
The state conducted a revenue estimating conference Nov. 14 to update this year's budget and forecast coming years'
as well.
In a Nov. 16 e-mail to the Board of Governors, university presidents, and trustees, Chancellor Mark Rosenberg said the revenue available for the 2007-2008 fiscal year has been reduced by another billion dollars from the August estimates, bringing the total to only $29.5 billion.
This roughly equals another 4 percent cut, and the Legislature is expecting to be $1 billion short due to expected expenditures.
Because of the current economic situation, Rosenberg said officials are expecting to be short $1 billion in the 2008-2009 year if the expected expenditures are the same as in 2007-2008.
Added to that, additional cuts to other legislature-funded entities are expected, which could lead to a total cut of $2 billion.
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Same-sex partners win university benefits
Same-sex domestic partners of UNF employees are now able to claim some of the university benefits offered to married couples.
The university announced the creation of a registry for same-sex domestic partnerships Nov. 9, which allows eligible individuals to register their partners to receive benefits including tuition reimbursement, use of campus amenities, and consideration as "immediate family" for the purposes of sick leave and other perks.
"It's such a strong statement from the university to the community that they are really working towards an equal campus
for all people," said Emily Rokosch, coordinator for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center.
Rokosch and her partner are currently in the process of registering for the benefits with Human Resources.
"It's a really nice option to have," she said.
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Kernan-Beach project to finish in 2009
The overpass that will take Kernan Boulevard over Beach Boulevard and eliminate traffic lights is on track to be completed in early 2009.
The Jacksonville Transit Authority is building the overpass because regional and local traffic studies indicated it will allow smoother traffic flow through the intersection and improve safety, said Wendy Morrow, JTA manager of external affairs.
Construction began in March 2007 and is about 20 percent complete, according to JTA's Web site. Currently, utility relocations and storm drainage construction is underway. The entire project will have an estimated total cost of $43 million.
"The project is a design-build project where the final design and construction occur simultaneously," Morrow said. "This allows for economies of scale in the field and a quicker project on the ground."
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