Gov. Mark R. Warner announced Monday that he would propose an amendment to the state budget for 2006 that would maintain financial aid for out-of-state graduate students.
"The governor thinks it makes no sense to compete with other institutions for the top students if we can't offer them the financial aid," Warner spokesperson Ellen Qualls said.
In the state of Virginia, the budget overrides all other laws, but the Governor is able to amend specific language within the budget, as Warner plans to do with this amendment, Quall said.
Ethan Sribnick, president of the Graduate Student Labor Union, said he and members of his organization were happy with the developments. Last week, Sribnick wrote a letter to the governor, asking him to oppose the amendment.
"GLU is pleased with the Governor's decision and commends the University on everything it's done on behalf of graduate students," Sribnick said.
Graduate Student Council President Tom Bryan said he agrees with Sribnick's statement.
"I think this is great," Bryan said. "The impression I got with the General Assembly was that there was bi-partisan support for limiting appropriations funds for out-of-state graduate students. I'm glad that Warner stood up and said he opposes it."
The governor has until midnight Wednesday to formally propose the amendment. The General Assembly will then reconvene April 6 to vote on all of his amendments.
"This is not over yet," Bryan said.
Sribnick said the GLU plans to continue working to make sure this amendment is passed by the General Assembly.
"We'll organize members of the Graduate Labor Union to contact delegates and members of the General Assembly to get them to support the amendment," Sribnick said.
He also said GLU members are planning to organize both graduate and undergraduate students in a letter-writing campaign to their senators and delegates.
"If the amendment is not passed in the General Assembly, it will not be the end of the world, but it will make things a lot more difficult for the University," Bryan said.
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