University of Nebraska officials expressed concern Friday that it is falling behind other nearby states in investing in cancer treatment and research.
Glenn A. Fosdick, president and CEO of the Nebraska Medical Center, told NU regents that the state of Oklahoma has given the University of Oklahoma $90 million to expand cancer care and research and Kansas has committed $60 million to the University of Kansas for cancer care and treatment expansion.
“We are competing in a big market,” Fosdick said.
Last week, NU leaders asked the Legislature for $91 million for health research, treatment and education facilities and other purposes. NU leaders pitched a host of reasons for the request to regents on Friday, and the board later approved the resolution. The request includes:
* $50 million for a new cancer center in Omaha that would include a research tower, outpatient facility and inpatient cancer treatment center.
* $17 million for a new College of Nursing building in Lincoln.
* $19 million to expand the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing in Kearney.
* $5 million to plan a new Veterinary Diagnostic Center in Lincoln.
The university also plans to ask for an additional $50 million later to build the Veterinary Diagnostic Center.
The $91 million state investment would help spur a $441 million capital initiative, NU leaders have said. Of that, $300 million would come from private donations and other sources and would help pay for the cancer center at UNMC in Omaha.
Fosdick said cancer patients at the Nebraska Medical Center provide most of the hospital’s revenue and it will be important to continue to attract those patients. The $370 million cancer center in Omaha likely would allow the university to win status as a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, placing the university hospital among 40 such centers in the country.
Meanwhile, Juliann Sebastian, dean of the College of Nursing at UNMC, said the college turned away more than 400 qualified nursing applicants at its five divisions in the state last year because of lack of space. Nebraska’s shortage of registered nurses is expected to more than double by 2020, with rural areas hardest hit, according to UNMC.
Mike Flood, speaker of the Legislature, told regents state senators would seriously consider the university’s request but made no promises. He said the state is expecting to see greater revenues than expenses and senators are “looking at a number of opportunities.”
The late February revenue forecast will be important in helping senators decide where to spend money, he said. At the same time, Gov. Dave Heineman is seeking significant tax cuts this legislative session, Flood said.
Regent Howard Hawks of Omaha said he was concerned legislators may slash too many taxes that could lead to future revenue shortfalls.
“We’ve seen great things happen, especially at the university, and we’re going to take that into account,” Flood said.
In other business Friday, NU regents elected new officers, and the board’s two Lincoln regents will take the top two spots.
Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln will replace Regent Jim McClurg of Lincoln as vice chairman, while McClurg will replace Bob Whitehouse of Papillion as board chairman.
Reach Kevin Abourezk at 402-473-7225 or kabourezk@journalstar.com.
