But Yudof has a few factors going for him that makes the risk a smart calculation. The state budget surplus gives lawmakers an excuse to be generous. And, perhaps most significantly, Carlson's personal support for Yudof's package is a political plus not seen by a University president in decades. With these factors behind him, it's important for Yudof to go for the most comprehensive plan to renew the University. The problem with playing triage with programs and sending messages that one item is less important than another is that it plays the University against itself.
Full funding remains possible.
Within the next few days the House committee considering the capital request will meet to decide what items it wants to include in legislative negotiations on a final bonding bill. But there's no time to lose. The University community needs to stand up for its interests, showing the state that its investment in higher education will be well-spent. The Senate showed Yudof that the honeymoon's over. It's time to get to work.