At the Faculty Senate meeting, President Machen first addressed an amended bill for the Florida Senate for Higher Education Committee regarding tuition.

The bill if approved would allow for a tuition increase of up to 15% per year. Machen said that added tuition fees could turn into $100,000,000 of increased revenue in a period of five to seven years.

"I was hopeful but confused what the stimulus bill means for us," Machen said.

Machen said that it may take several weeks for that impact to be known so he's now asking the administration to submit budget reduction proposals by April 1, 2009 instead of March 19, 2009. On April 15, 2009 more refined plans will be revealed.

"That's the confusion right now. If there's gonna be money, when's it coming, how much is it gonna be and how can I spend it," Machen said.

In his closing remarks, President Machen told the audience not to get too excited things are not great and this is still very serious. He also asked them to weigh in on the tuition bill as well.