Rep. Rivera: Take from UM, give to FIU

Rep. David Rivera wants to cut $3.5-million in general revenue from the University of Miami medical school and give it to the fledgling FIU med school, whose administrators fear a cut in state funding will delay the fall 2008 opening of their first class and endanger their accreditation.

The proposal is among more than a dozen budget proposals being considered this afternoon by the House policy and budget council.

UCF also fears decreased funding for its new medical school, but so far no hometown lawmaker has proposed a fix.

UPDATE: The House council just approved the proposal, despite the objections of some lawmakers including Democrat Jack Seiler.

"We're talking about taking money from one of the best medical schools in the country, with one of the best residency programs, and we're taking money set aside for 500 attending residents who serve the indigent," he said.

Rivera said he is pleased with UM, but tight budget times require the measure.

"I would hope UM can assist the Legislature's need to address FIU's financial requirements in a tough budget time."

 

- Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler, higher education reporter