West Virginia University President David C. Hardesty Jr. said today (July 28) that Gov. Cecil Underwoods decision not to continue a 3 percent spending cut on state agencies means higher education institutions can move ahead with reforms.

“Gov. Underwoods decision not to go forward with the spending cuts will ensure that higher education reforms enacted this year under Senate Bill 653 will proceed unimpeded,”Hardesty said.

“This sends a positive message that a strong higher education system is vital to the states economy,”he added.”As the governor and the chairs of the interim Governing Board and Policy Commission requested today, we will monitor the situation carefully in the months to come.”

Hardesty said lifting the cuts imposed in January will give WVU breathing room as it keeps track of its financial picture during the 2000-01 fiscal year.

“We will need to proceed cautiously throughout the year as we continue to monitor the revenues,”he said.”However, the lifting of the freeze will give us much more flexibility during the coming year.”