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USF President Judy Genshaft was in Tallahassee today pleading her case that the University of South Florida not be penalized in budget cuts this year. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, both Genshaft and State Senator J.D. Alexander say their meeting was fruitful.

USF President Judy Genshaft and Senate Appropriations Chairman J.D. Alexander met for an hour behind this closed door. The meeting was originally billed as a public meeting, then closed.

“There was supposed to be a public meeting here in this room, in the Senate Office Building.”

It was moved three times to avoid reporters.

Shortly after three, Alexander and Genshaft emerged. Both acknowledged more work was needed, but both said progress was being made.

“I think we understand some of the issues affecting USF and I think perhaps we weren’t as clear about what we were trying to do,” Alexander said. “We’ve been able to get some clarity.”

“The Senators have heard what we view as fairness, and we looked at some different numbers,” Genshaft said.

A week ago, Alexander had nothing nice to say about Genshaft. But after the meeting, he was more positive.

“Sometimes I get proven wrong and I think it was a good start to a good discussion,” Alexander said. “We’ve got a bit more work to do.”

Alexander had also accused Genshaft of blocking an independent PolyTech campus in Lakeland. Genshaft says it was discussed.

“I’m not blocking anything,” she said.

USF must now bring new numbers back to the Capitol on what the true costs of an independent Lakeland campus will mean to the school’s budget and to the students who were promised a degree program at the branch that may no longer be available.