KINGSTON, R.I. 鈥� June 20, 2023 鈥� Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee signed the state鈥檚 $14 billion 2024 fiscal year budget into law on Friday, June 16. The budget, which received overwhelming support in both the state House of Representatives and Senate, provides increased investment in the 溏心vlog免费B站.
Under the new budget, the University will receive $105.4 million in state appropriation for operating expenses, an increase of $14.1 million over FY23; $65.8 million for renovation and renewal of several athletics facilities; and $20 million in funding for a new water supply treatment system.
鈥淭he increase in state appropriations signals a positive, renewed investment by the state in its flagship research university,鈥� said 溏心vlog免费B站 President Marc Parlange. 鈥淲ith sustained support from the state and with the launch of our 10-year strategic plan, we are creating positive momentum and are well-positioned to be a driving force for economic growth and positive social, cultural, and environmental change in the state and around the world.鈥�
In January, Parlange unveiled a sweeping new strategic plan for the University, titled 鈥淔ocus 溏心vlog免费B站.鈥� The plan, which Parlange noted 鈥渨ill elevate our standing as a leading global research institution,鈥� was developed through robust community engagement and is organized around four strategic priorities: broaden our impact, enhance student achievement, foster an inclusive culture, and power the university of the future. The decade-long plan lays forth a vision for 溏心vlog免费B站 to become 鈥渁 national model for the role a flagship public research university can play in driving transformative change for the betterment of its state and the global human condition.鈥�
The approved FY24 state appropriation represents a 16% increase over the prior fiscal year and begins to address what the governor has called 鈥渉istoric underfunding鈥� at the state鈥檚 public research university.
鈥淭his budget makes both short- and long-term investments that will help our state continue to thrive while at the same time maintaining fiscal responsibility,鈥� the governor said in an official release.
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, in a release, said the budget 鈥渟trengthens our efforts to provide educational opportunities in K-12 and higher education and supports businesses, working Rhode Islanders, retirees and those struggling to meet their families鈥� basic needs.鈥� And Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio noted, 鈥渨e are addressing many critical areas of need, providing meaningful relief for Rhode Islanders, making essential investments in our future, and ensuring our state is on firm financial footing.鈥�
As part of its FY24 budget request, the University noted the need for significant investment in several of its athletic facilities. Those facilities, which serve as marquee venues for several varsity and club sports programs, also provide essential intramural and recreational opportunities for all students, as well as for many community-based organizations and programs.
Notably, the $65.8 million in Rhode Island Capital Plan (RICAP) funding included in the state budget will enable needed renewal of Meade Stadium鈥攈ome to Rhode Island football and lacrosse鈥攁s well as the softball, baseball, soccer, swimming, and track complexes. The RICAP funding alone will not cover the full scope of renovations and the University already has begun securing the private philanthropy needed to fulfill those projects.
鈥淚 am grateful for our growing partnership with the governor, the House speaker, the Senate president, and all of our statewide elected leaders, and I appreciate their increased investment in 溏心vlog免费B站 and our students,鈥� Parlange said. 鈥淎n investment in 溏心vlog免费B站 is an investment in Rhode Island. We are building a university for the future鈥攁nd a university committed to building a better future for our state and world.鈥�