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President Calls Alumni, Staff, Students to Action
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NOVEMBER 18, 2003 -- Michigan Technological University President Curt Tompkins is calling on the university's alumni, faculty, staff and students to tell legislators they oppose large cuts to higher education. "Now is the time to take action and write a letter," he said.
The action comes as some legislators call for cuts in state funding for universities of 10 percent. It would be the second year in a row that higher education took a 10 percent reduction in state appropriations.
"We cannot continue to offer a high-quality science and engineering education with such drastic cuts," Tompkins said. "If we experience a 10 percent cut again this year, our appropriations will have dropped from almost $55 million in July 2002 to $45 million in December 2003, returning us to pre-1995 funding levels when inflation is considered."
Tompkins noted that, in the last year, Michigan Tech has eliminated more than 60 jobs and reduced expenses by $7 million. In recent years, faculty and staff have seen little or no pay increases and are paying more out of their own pockets for health care.
During a recent state-wide budget tour, Governor Jennifer Granholm said every area supported by tax dollars will be affected by the projected $920 million state budget shortfall.
"The question is one of priorities," Tompkins said. "The process pits universities against prisons against Medicaid against K-12 education against economic development against arts and culture … and on and on. But higher education has a huge economic impact on the state."
The Presidents Council of State Universities cites a study showing that every dollar spent on higher education results in $26 dollars in economic impact.
"These cuts will also affect the affordability and quality of education," Tompkins said. "It is important to the state of Michigan to maintain one of the most outstanding systems of higher education in the nation. Once lost, it will be difficult to restore its competitiveness."
Last year's 10 percent cut continued a long-term trend of eroding support for higher education. "Thirty years ago, state appropriations contributed 75 percent of our revenue," Tompkins said. "Now it is just 49 percent."
Tompkins noted that, because of these state actions, tuition has increased, placing a much higher burden on students and their families
The state legislature is expected to take up the budget-cutting process when members return to Lansing on December 2. |
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