State lawmakers returned to Columbia Wednesday to address Governor Sanford�s vetoes on the budget and several other bills.  In respective votes of 99-13 and 34-7, the House and Senate overrode the Governor�s veto of the state budget.  Below are details from the state budget as they relate to Clemson University:

Clemson PSA Priorities

• $1.2 million in recurring funding for Clemson PSA.  This was Clemson PSA�s first priority for research and extension specialists.
• $600,000 in recurring funding for biotechnology research
• $400,000 in recurring funding for genetics and human nutrition research
• $1 million in nonrecurring funding for infrastructure improvements at the Edisto Research and Education Center.

Clemson E&G Priorities

• $4 million in recurring funding for the Academic Road Map. 
• $500,000 in recurring and $1,500,000 in nonrecurring funding for Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research. 
• $1.3 million in nonrecurring funding for Call Me Mister�
• $900,000 in nonrecurring funding for infrastructure needs at COMSET

Higher Ed Priorities

• Eliminated the cap on tuition of HEPI plus $250 per semester.
• Continued funding of $30 million for the Endowed Chairs Program.
• Adopted a provision that included higher education employees in the state employee pay raise.
• Adopted a provision that funded the state employee and retiree health insurance program which will result in no increase premiums and no changes to the plan.
• $2 million in funding for the virtual library

On behalf of the Clemson Governmental Affairs team, I thank you for your service to Clemson University.  I say over and over that Clemson�s greatest asset is her people.  For another year, you have proven this to be true.  For that, we are genuinely grateful.  Thank you again.