We are -- Screwed!
Students won't be cheering if Ridge's budget plan passes

If Gov. Tom Ridge's budget proposal passes as is, students would be advised to transfer to another state, where they may be able to get a better education at a cheaper price.

Every year the state government and the University play a little game.

First, the University asks the state for about $20 million more than it received the year before. Then the state says it will give about $10 million more than last year but will also offer up to $210 per student if the University does not raise in-state tuition more than 4.5 percent.

This year, the state decided not to play that game. Ridge decided there would be no extra $10 million dollars out of the $23 million the University asked for. And this year the state will only give $100 per student to keep the tuition low.

The University has two choices -- cut educational programs, faculty salaries and hirings or boost tuition above 4.5 percent to compensate for the lower funds.

Students have choices as well. If they don't want to seek out another school, they can contact their local representatives to lobby for more money for the state schools. This is an issue that will affect students not only now but in the future.

As a state-related school, the University depends on aid from the government for almost one-fifth of its annual budget. Without that money, the University is destined to become a second-class school.

This year, the additional money was intended to bring more faculty members to the University, give raises to some existing faculty and pay for continuing academic programs. Now, none of that will occur.

Ridge's budget, instead of giving more money to the schools, has added millions of dollars to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, which will allow students to attend their costlier school of choice -- including private schools.

Private schools also receive and will continue to receive money from the state, which blatantly contradicts their positions as private. If Ridge wants to save money, he should channel the money he proposes to spend on private schools into the state system of higher education.

Students should call the following people to voice their opinions:

-- State Sen. J. Doyle Corman at 717-787-1377

-- State Rep. Lynn Herman in State College at 238-5477 or in Harrisburg at 717-787-8594

-- State Rep. Ruth Rudy in Centre Hall at 364-9724 or in Harrisburg at 717-787-9879

-- Ridge can be reached at 717-787-2500.