Connecticut Senate Bill SB00177

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/13
• Refer: 1/17/13

Caption

An Act Establishing Limits On Administrative Costs In Public Higher Education.

Impact

The passage of SB00177 would lead to more stringent oversight of administrative functions within public colleges and universities. This includes restrictions on creating new administrative roles or refilling senior administrative positions without approval from the respective governing boards. By requiring the governing body to approve the compensation for these positions, the bill aims to curtail excessive spending on administrative salaries and benefits, potentially reallocating those funds towards student services or academic programs.

Summary

SB00177 is a significant legislative proposal that seeks to impose stricter controls on administrative expenses within public institutions of higher education in the state. The bill mandates that both the Board of Regents for Higher Education and the Board of Trustees for The University of Connecticut create a plan to reduce administrative costs to no less than five percent of the total operating expenses by the 2014 academic year. Furthermore, it stipulates that increases in administrative costs must not exceed the general rate of inflation, promoting fiscal responsibility within these institutions.

Contention

While proponents of SB00177 argue that it is necessary to rein in administrative costs and ensure that a larger portion of public funding is directed towards educational purposes, critics may express concerns regarding the implications for institution governance and staffing flexibility. Limiting new hires could hinder the institutions' ability to effectively meet growing operational demands, particularly in an era where higher education is increasingly challenged by evolving educational standards and technological advancements. Thus, the bill could be seen as balancing the need for fiscal responsibility with the operational needs of public educational institutions.