2008 Woodie Awards
No new science building-for now
Matthew Hurtt
Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: Opinions
Better luck next year, MTSU! Governor Bredesen announced that Tennessee's financial condition would not support the necessary capital projects for institutions of higher learning during his State of the State Address. For 10 years, the proposed science building has crawled slowly up the list of capital improvements, compiled by the Tennessee Board of Regents, the University of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Finally, it is the No. 1 priority on the list.
There is some good news. A student delegation, comprised of SGA President Chassen Haynes, SGA Vice President of Administration and Public Affairs Ashley DeSabetino, and myself, began discussing funding issues with members of the General Assembly and THEC early this semester. I personally believe this dialogue will continue for years to come as MTSU students get more involved in the legislative process.
Developing a good working relationship with state government will demonstrate MTSU's willingness to learn and contribute ideas and opinions. The legislative delegation-Senators Bill Ketron and Jim Tracy, and Representatives John Hood, Donna Rowland, Kent Coleman and Curt Cobb-is very excited about receiving student input. They are enthusiastic about the opportunities that will emerge as MTSU students become more involved in making important decisions.
The process is complex. TBR and UT come together to decide which capital projects are important. They prioritize these projects and submit them to THEC, which compiles a complete list and makes suggestions. Presently, the proposed science building could cost between $115 million and $140 million, according to recent figures.
Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey recently stated that the General Assembly appropriates about ten percent of the total amount of the building project, with the remaining 90 percent funded by bonds. $11.5 million is a significantly easier number for legislators to absorb.
While we are not currently experiencing a recession, the economy has slowed down somewhat, and that can be attributed to the problems associated with the housing industry, and the seemingly haphazard subprime lending by major mortgage companies. The uncontrollable economic cycle will improve in Tennessee, and funds will eventually be appropriated for the new science building. We would hope sooner rather than later because construction costs increase every year.
Constructing the science building should not only be a priority of MTSU administration and state officials, but it should also be a top priority for every student. Funding for MTSU would certainly increase as the opportunity for more students and different degree programs develop. Every MTSU student should have a personal interest in seeing MTSU succeed and prosper.
"Blue Raiders ride on to vic-t'ry, never failing in the fight," are the words of the Fight Song, and I assure you that we will not fail.
Matthew Hurtt is a junior liberal arts major and can be reached at matt.hurtt@gmail.com.
There is some good news. A student delegation, comprised of SGA President Chassen Haynes, SGA Vice President of Administration and Public Affairs Ashley DeSabetino, and myself, began discussing funding issues with members of the General Assembly and THEC early this semester. I personally believe this dialogue will continue for years to come as MTSU students get more involved in the legislative process.
Developing a good working relationship with state government will demonstrate MTSU's willingness to learn and contribute ideas and opinions. The legislative delegation-Senators Bill Ketron and Jim Tracy, and Representatives John Hood, Donna Rowland, Kent Coleman and Curt Cobb-is very excited about receiving student input. They are enthusiastic about the opportunities that will emerge as MTSU students become more involved in making important decisions.
The process is complex. TBR and UT come together to decide which capital projects are important. They prioritize these projects and submit them to THEC, which compiles a complete list and makes suggestions. Presently, the proposed science building could cost between $115 million and $140 million, according to recent figures.
Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey recently stated that the General Assembly appropriates about ten percent of the total amount of the building project, with the remaining 90 percent funded by bonds. $11.5 million is a significantly easier number for legislators to absorb.
While we are not currently experiencing a recession, the economy has slowed down somewhat, and that can be attributed to the problems associated with the housing industry, and the seemingly haphazard subprime lending by major mortgage companies. The uncontrollable economic cycle will improve in Tennessee, and funds will eventually be appropriated for the new science building. We would hope sooner rather than later because construction costs increase every year.
Constructing the science building should not only be a priority of MTSU administration and state officials, but it should also be a top priority for every student. Funding for MTSU would certainly increase as the opportunity for more students and different degree programs develop. Every MTSU student should have a personal interest in seeing MTSU succeed and prosper.
"Blue Raiders ride on to vic-t'ry, never failing in the fight," are the words of the Fight Song, and I assure you that we will not fail.
Matthew Hurtt is a junior liberal arts major and can be reached at matt.hurtt@gmail.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
oh lawd
posted 4/04/08 @ 10:03 AM CST
We must thank the holy ambassador Matt Hurtt who bestowed us with he new science building in the new sidelines article.
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