BISMARCK, N.D. - John Q. Paulsen, president of the State Board of Higher Education, today expressed support for the 2007 - 09 North Dakota University System budget outlined in Gov. Hoeven's budget address.

"The State Board of Higher Education is pleased Governor Hoeven again recognizes, and has demonstrated through his budget proposal, the importance of the University System to the students and citizens of North Dakota," Paulsen said. "The budget provides an investment in the dual mission of the NDUS - continued educational excellence and enhancing the state's economy. Past investments by the governor and the North Dakota Legislature in the University System have helped contribute dramatically to the state's strong economy, and the University System looks forward to doing more."

Paulsen also said he expects the board will suggest some changes as the budget process progresses. "As usual, there are some refinements I expect the board will hope the Legislature will make to the budget as it moves through the legislative process," he said. "This is a strong and reasonable place to start. Hopefully, among the refinements could be the movement of one-time funding to permanent base funding, consistent with the budget submitted by the State Board of Higher Education."