There are a few points that I would like to offer in response to the Collegian editorial in yesterday's edition ("Delayed state appropriations jeopardize future of Penn State"). The editorial chastises the state government and rightly so.

Pennsylvania's constitution mandates a budget to be passed by June 30, and we didn't see one until late December, making us the only state in the nation to not have a budget. While there are partisans to blame on both sides, it was Gov. Ed Rendell who initiated this stagnation by vetoing his own budget proposals.

My disappointment with the editorial board concerns its complaint that the state appropriations are not as high as in past years and that tuition might be raised to compensate for rising education costs. Because our economy has been somewhat sluggish, most all individuals and organizations must trim their fat to function within limited incomes. However, Penn State does no such thing.

If it doesn't get the state handout it wants, it raises tuition.

Maybe 7 percent one year, 14 percent the next, maybe even 4 percent this year.

I think it is time that the university concentrates on tightening its budget and laying off of the wallets of Penn State students and parents. It sure doesn't seem like Penn State has slowed its construction projects in a sluggish economy, has it? Bring on the next skywalk.