WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3,1999

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3,1999

Our View

The time is now

Virginia’s private colleges and

i universities need increased funding

The General Assembly is about to enter its budget

planning phase, and Virginians concerned

about the current status of higher education need to let legislators know how they feel.

Fortunately, much groundwork has already been done. The Virginia Business Higher Education Council has adopted two important goals that the General Assembly must consider in its deliberations: a reduction in educational costs for Virginia college students and their families, and increased “investment” by the state in its institutions of higher learning.

GbVT Jim Gilmore’s proposed 20 percent reduction j in tuition at public colleges and universities will bring tuition costs to pre-1990 levels, with in-state undergraduate students paying 30 percent or less of the cost of their education. The governor’s proposal includes an additional $75 million in state money to be given to public institutions to offset the reduced tuition rates. So far, so good.

However, total spending for higher education will not increase, leaving most of Virginia’s public colleges and universities where they were before — at the bottom in spending per student, when compared to similar institutions in other states.

According to the Virginia Business Higher Education Council study, $123 million more is needed: $77 million for operating costs, $14 million for student aid, and $32 million for building maintenance and repairs.

And where would this money come from?

The General Assembly has almost $1 billion at its disposal. But the time to act is quickly running out. Since 1999 is a “short session,” most committees will finish their work on the state budget by Saturday.

Call or fax your representatives today, expressing your concerns about adequate funding of Virginia’s public colleges and universities.