Vailas, in final budget pitch: ‘We’re in pretty good shape’
Idaho State University President Arthur Vailas, in his final budget presentation to lawmakers this morning, said he supports Gov. Butch Otter’s budget recommendation – though it provides zero funding for Vailas’ top budget request for next year, to add 21 full-time positions and $3.4 million in state funding to expand program and course offerings in health sciences, including occupational therapy, clinical psychopharmacology, dental residency and more.
Asked about that by Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee members, Vailas said, “We’ve made big strides in closing the gap, but we still have a gap. So it’s important that we think about some of the emphasis in that.” Vailas said at ISU, one of the things he ponders is “how do we deal with the mental health issues. We still have to pay for mental health, no matter whether we support it or not. We pay for it in another way. Our country has not had a very good history, nor has the world, in how we deal with mental health, and it’s not just about drug addiction, it’s about ourselves and our families.” He said, “It will be a big return on the investment.”
Rep. Steve Miller, R-Fairfield, asked Vailas whether his budget request was related to the proposed increase in medical residencies in Idaho. “The residency program that has been proposed is separate,” Vailas responded, but he said it’s also “interdependent … It’s not like it’s isolated. So both the facility and the workforce, especially in this case workforce, that is the teachers and so forth that deal with this integrative approach, this residency program, we still need to have that as a main focus and it needs to continue. This particular request would be working with residencies.”
Vailas spoke out in favor of increasing scholarships in Idaho; Gov. Butch Otter has recommended a $5 million increase in the state’s Opportunity Scholarship program. “I can’t emphasize the importance of funding the scholarships, of all kinds,” Vailas said, whether for career-technical education students or undergraduate students. “The various opportunity scholarships are important. The national statistics clearly show that if a state provides a healthy support system for scholarships, the graduation, retentions and go-on rates of those states are very positive. That’s not debatable. It’s very clear-cut. We have a ways to go, and I appreciate the fact that we’re looking at incremental changes and trying to provide more financial aid to students.”
Vailas also noted ISU’s “tuition lock” program, which guarantees undergrads tuition won’t rise during their four years if they continue to succeed in college; and its own financial aid programs for students.
“It’s not the answer to everything, but it is a big factor that the affordability and access to that affordability, and the accountability, that’s important,” Vailas said. “That all has to evolve and progress.”
JFAC members had questions about the negative balance in ISU’s funds; they’re because of decreases in enrollment and the consequent drop in tuition revenue. That’s cause ISU to dip into its reserves. Vailas said the biggest drop has come in international students.
Sen. Dean Mortimer, R-Idaho Falls, said, “I appreciate that explanation. I know that Idaho State has had good reserves in the past.”
Vailas said, “We’re in pretty good shape, but we’re very strategic on how we’re doing this, so we don’t ... end up increasing tuition to a point that it’s unreasonable.”
Vailas, who is retiring, told JFAC, “It’s been a real pleasure and honor. You’ve had difficult choices. … It takes courage, and we’re going to need a lot of courage, because … our resources are very limited, and of course you’re being torn in many different directions just like we are. I want to thank all of you for the support you’ve given Idaho State University and higher education, and a job well done.”
Sen. Fred Martin, R-Boise, offered Vailas high praise. “President Vailas, Idaho’s a better place because of you. Idaho State University is a better institution because of you. I’m a better person having known you,” he said. “You have done wonderful work in this state. Thank you for your service.”
Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, JFAC co-chair, said, “I know we look forward to working with you and your staff on this budget. Godspeed.”
