Students must connect dots when it comes to budgeting questions

Editor:

I understand that GC&SU students and parents, like students and parents around the state, are upset about the possibility of yet another tuition increase. As a parent who put her son through college, I understand completely. But as I listen to students, it seems to me that the problem is not fully understood. There is a term in circulation that well describes what students and all of us who care about accessible higher education need to do: “connect the dots.”

First, it is important to understand that the cost of public higher education is NOT increasing.

What is increasing is the amount of that cost paid by student tuition and fees.

Why? . . .

Simply because the amount of that cost being paid by the State of Georgia is decreasing.

Why? . . .

One primary reason is that the burden of what must be covered by state funds is increasing.

Why? . . .

Simply because the federal government has shifted some of its burden to the states. Why? . . .

One primary reason is that, by giving citizens tax cuts, the federal government has less money to spend.

I once heard someone say, “Who wouldn’t want a tax cut?” Perhaps one answer is “Those who benefit from tax-supported programs.” We often picture “those people” as irresponsible free-loaders. But, in fact, they are also college students at state universities.

I understand that students from around the state are petitioning the governor to increase the state budget for higher education. I applaud their activism; however, I hope they will also seek correction closer to the root cause. I hope they will let their federal elected officials understand that they have connected the dots.

Jane A. Rose, Ph.D.
Professor of English

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Oct 15 2004. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry