Governor Heineman Upset With Apparent Changes in UNMC Funding

By: Bill Steckis Email

Updated: Tue 7:11 PM, Sep 18, 2012

At the Capitol, Gov. Dave Heineman said Tuesday his trust level for the University of Nebraska is sinking. “I've told people and one newspaper reported that they are on the verge of losing my trust and confidence.”

The comment comes after apparent miscommunication over funding appropriations for a $370 million UNMC Cancer Research and Treatment Center.

That agreement includes $50 million the Governor has committed to the project.

The rest of the $370 million Cancer Research Treatment Center would come from $120 million in debt financing and $200 million from private funds. The Governor said he did not know other local government funds could be used.

"It would seem to me that all of the media ought to pursue what occurred here." said Heineman.

UNL President J.B. Milliken was not available for comment, but his office tells 1011 News that he is on record saying. "We have always said that the remainder of the funds necessary would come from private or other sources."

Nebraska State Senator Heath Mello (District 5, Omaha) released the
following statement in response to Governor Dave Heineman’s views on the proposed funding.

“Governor Heineman’s baseless accusation that there was some sort of ‘secret deal’ is simply ridiculous. The Governor's non-stop political charade on this issue is endangering efforts to raise
the private funds needed for the UNMC Cancer Center, which is disappointing given the vast economic benefits this project will bring to Nebraska and the Omaha area."

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