Whereas, the cost of health insurance has increased dramatically in recent months; and

Whereas, the cost to the University of Maine System for providing health insurance to its employees is far exceeding expectations; and

Whereas, it is necessary to provide emergency supplemental funding to the University of Maine System to cover this cost; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM,

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE

Education and General Activities -

University of Maine System

New Initiative: Provides funding to supplement the increased cost to the University of Maine System of health insurance provided to employees.

General Fund 2002-03

All Other $9,000,000

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill appropriates funds to the University of Maine System to cover the increased cost of health insurance provided to the system's employees.