Difficult times require difficult choices.  Those times and choices are upon us at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College as we attempt to deal with the latest budget recommendation from Georgia lawmakers.

 

     The University System of Georgia has been asked to slash another $300 million from the FY11 budget. For ABAC, that means an additional $2.4 million budget loss on top of the $1.7 million shortfall already called for in the Governor’s recommendation.

 

     On February 27, President Bridges submitted ABAC’s plan to the University System. The entire System plan for the reduction is scheduled was presented to the General Assembly on March 1.

 

     A total of 34 people at ABAC will lose their jobs if the entire cut is enacted.  That’s 13 per cent of our employees.  Every phase of campus life from faculty members to top level administrators will feel the impact.  Entire programs such as Continuing Education and the Arts Connection will cease to exist.  We will close the ABAC Post Office and reduce personnel in Advancement and Alumni to a level where our mission in those areas will be compromised.

 

     Sadly, ABAC will also have to close off-campus learning sites in Moultrie and downtown Tifton.  As you know, we have invested countless resources in time, money, and personnel into our ABAC location in Colquitt County since 1947. Approximately 200 students take classes in Moultrie each semester.

 

     As an advocate for ABAC you can do your part to help. Below you will find several links to assist you in the task of making your opinion heard. You need to act as quickly as possible, as the general assembly only has 20 days left in session.

 

Helpful Links

 

Find your Legislator

·         Locate your district on this map

 

·         Search by district on these lists to identify your House and Senate Representative

 

Use these talking points and statistics to write or call your Legislator

 

Message from President David Bridges - YouTube Video (4:30)

 

Students Against the Budget Cuts - YouTube Video (2:38)

 

Powerpoint Presentation from President Bridges' Town Hall Meetings

  

Overall summary of the proposed budget cuts for the entire University System of Georgia

 

March 1 News release from ABAC

 

House and Senate Higher Education Appropriation Committee Members will also play a significant role in the budget decision making process. Click here to see this joint committee list.