Milking students

State budget denies University needed moo-lah

Two percent -- it's the proposed increase in state spending for the University courtesy of Gov. Tom Ridge.

And like the milk of the same name, it's what many people settle for when they want more but can't have it.

But now, as a result of the low state spending increase, Penn State will have to milk more tuition out of students. The state budget allocation would have to increase by about 8 or 9 percent for there to be no raise in tuition.

Two percent just won't do it. Thanks, but no thanks.

And what is udderly disturbing is that while the state is milking students, the prisoners in Pittsburgh will have a land of milk and honey with the proposed $135 million allocation for constructing a new state prison there.

The total proposed spending for state education is $115.7 million. This includes funding for adult literacy and local library programs, charter schools, special education and state subsidies for public schools.

Notice this number is less than the proposed spending for the construction of one prison.

Prisoners over pupils -- it's nice to know where the governor's priorities are.

Surely Ridge knows the University has done a tremendous amount for this state, from continuing and distance education programs to mergers with a hospital and law school in order to better serve the state.

And let's not forget the University's role in agriculture. The state increased agricultural extension services by about $2.3 million last year. That's just wonderful.

But what about a more general reward to the University that puts its time, energy and resources into reaching out to rural communities?

It looks like that's not going to happen. At least not with this governor.

So now that you're having a cow about the lack of state funding to the University, here's what you can do.

Let the governor know how you feel and let your outrage be heard -- it does a body good.

Go to your student government organizations and find out how you can help increase state allocations. Call the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments at 863-0697 or the Undergraduate Student Government at 863-1USG. Or you can E-mail Gov. Ridge through his World Wide Web page at http://www.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Governor/govmail.html.