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What’s the old saying - "the squeaky wheel gets the grease!"
Public Education has been squeaking loudly this year on Capitol Hill. It is entirely appropriate to be concerned about the state’s public school system. In the waning days of the legislative session, though, KSL hopes lawmakers won’t overlook the needs of higher education.
As often happens during a down economy, people return to school. In fact, the demand for a college education among Utah’s burgeoning population is higher than ever. For example, the number of students at the University of Utah increased 3,500 in the last couple of years. No additional state funding came in for most of those students. That means the U absorbed the equivalent of Snow College and more . . . without another dime from the state!
No wonder higher education leaders worry about budget shortfalls.
Lawmakers seem to be agreeable to implementing many of the public education reforms recommended last year by the governor appointed Employer Education Coalition. In reference to higher education, that same coalition said, "existing resources should not be cut."
KSL agrees. Higher Education lobbyists may not be squeaking as loudly as their public education counterparts, but their wheels still need plenty of grease.
