UF president issues statement regarding veto of House bill

April 27, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Below is a statement from University of Florida President Bernie Machen regarding Gov. Scott’s veto of HB 7129.

The House bill, titled State Universities of Academic and Research Excellence and National Preeminence, would have provided the University of Florida additional financial resources, authority and flexibility.

Here is Machen’s statement:

We are so very disappointed that the “Preeminence bill” was vetoed today.

This legislation presented the University of Florida with a pathway toward excellence and would have enabled the great State of Florida to have two world-class universities.  Our state, expected to become the third largest in the country, deserves to lead the nation in innovative thinking, cutting edge research, economic development, job creation and exceptional quality of life – all things that come from great universities.

While we are saddened with this development, we will continue to pursue excellence in education, research and service and renew our commitment to serving our students and the people of Florida.