Friday, May 23, 2003
When the Ohio House of Representatives received Gov. Bob Taft's budget proposal for the next two fiscal years, it contained a slight increase in funding for higher education. The increase reflected Taft's belief that even in the midst of an economic crisis, Ohio could not afford to fall further behind other states with respect to its support for public universities and colleges.
But the Republican governor wasn't able to convince the Republican-dominated House that there is a direct link between a college-educated population and a state that is economically vibrant.
Ohio isn't participating fully in the global marketplace and isn't a leader in high-technology initiatives because it does not have a highly educated workforce. Nonetheless, Republicans in the House simply ignored this argument.
Thus, when their version of the state's biennium budget passed in April, it reflected a cut of $137 million from the current allocation for public universities and colleges. It is noteworthy that the governor had asked for an increase of $174 million from the current funding levels.
The bill was sent to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it is now being deliberated. The Senate version should be voted on in early June, after which a conference committee made up of representatives from both chambers will work out the differences.
We urge Senate Republicans to demonstrate that they are up to the task of leading a major state and that they recognize the damage that will be done to Ohio's image and economic well-being if higher education continues to be downgraded in importance.
Hurdles
While there are many hurdles to be cleared in trying to balance the budget -- a projected $4 billion shortfall needs to be erased by cuts in spending and an increase in revenue -- the one we consider most important is higher ed. Without adequate funding, institutions will be forced to increase tuition and cut programs.
Indeed, there continues to be talk in the General Assembly of placing a cap on tuition increases, which would be a crippling blow to many urban universities, including Youngstown State.
YSU President David Sweet has made no secret of the fact that there isn't any wiggle room insofar as the budget is concerned.
"If we're asked to go beyond the $5.5 million [cut], we're back to the drawing board," Dr. Sweet said recently. As it is, the administration has been forced to eliminate 27 full-time positions to save $1.3 million. It also has implemented the following reductions: $1.5 million from a strategic initiative/improvement fund; $1.8 million from operating expenses; $100,000 by means of freezing administrative salaries; $150,000 by closing Metro College sites in Niles and Austintown, and $650,000 from other sources.
"We're right at the edge in terms of our ability to cut back vacant positions, to cut back operating costs," Sweet said.
For that reason, his appeal to YSU alumni to join in a statewide campaign deserves a receptive ear. The goal is to have many of the 850,000 alumni of Ohio's universities and colleges contact their senators to urge a restoration of higher education funding.
The clock is ticking. Senate Republicans need to hear from the people.