Difficult Decisions - Belinda Munoz, Pan American

The results are in from the special session held by the Texas Legislature, which focused on how the state budget will affect public school funding. In a memo addressed to students, faculty and staff on May 30, UTPA President Robert Nelsen explained that because of a $4 billion cut to public education, the University has been forced to create a "balanced budget," which ultimately meant some layoffs, a voluntary separation program and the elimination of services. Along with making tough budget decisions based on the outcome in Austin, Nelsen was also forced to do something no one wanted to see, as nearly 30 employees were laid off from the University.