Really, I wasn't kidding.

Just got an email about the "sobering fiscal realities" the U is facing:

"As expected, the governor's February 15th budget recommendation included an additional cut of $36 million to the University of Minnesota's budget. This comes on the heels of an $80 million cut last year and erases 10 years of incremental state funding increases, reducing our state funding base to the lowest level since 2001 ($591 million). The new proposed state cut and our ongoing financial obligations create a total budget shortfall of $132.2 million for 2010-11."

The solution? Pay cuts for everyone, and mandatory furlough for certain employee classes. This renovation had better be amazing.