The $32 billion budget Georgia legislators passed last week includes a $66 million cut to public colleges and universities, on top of a $72 million reduction to the state’s funding formula due to declining enrollment. University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue, a former governor, said the additional cut will hurt the 20 of 26 institutions that don’t have carryover funds from this year to fill the gap. The USG is also dealing with a pandemic-related 10% cut in 2020—about $231 million—that was never restored. “This is an incredibly disappointing outcome, given the work done over the years by our state leaders to elevate higher education and send Georgia on a path to ascension,” Perdue said in a news release. “It will have a significant impact on institutions and the services that students and families depend on to advance their prosperity and help Georgia succeed.”
