If students want to voice higher education concerns to politicians, it's now as simple as writing a letter. And it doesn't even require a stamp.
Students, parents and administrators can help colleges avoid future tuition hikes by logging on to www.helphighered.org.
Inspired by this direct access to those who will be dealing with the $900 million state budget shortfall, here is what we have to say:
Dear state legislators,
As students, we believe that higher education funding should be a priority. When it comes to budget cuts, universities and colleges often take heavy hits. Cuts to higher education are deceptive, because universities can cover them by raising tuition. But if funding continues to be slashed, tuition will keep skyrocketing until higher education will be accessible to only a few.
This will leave Michigan citizens under-educated, allowing the better jobs to go to individuals from other states. There is fat to be cut in every organization, but it's too painful when legislators keep cutting away in only one area.
Allow the pain to be spread thinner by cutting only a little from many organizations instead of concentrating cuts to only a few.
Start by cutting back quality care from prisons. Basic services should not be cut, but prisoners should not be living in luxury. The number of people living in prisons and jails could also be reduced by increasing fines and decreasing jail time for lesser crimes.
Newly proposed legislation allows judges to sentence minor in possession offenders to jail if they don't adhere to probation terms. Sending even more people to jail is not the way to handle a budget crisis.
There is money to be saved from scholarships as well. Michigan Merit Award funding, the money high school seniors get for scoring well on the Michigan Education Assessment Program, can take a cut, but it should not be completely thrown out. Reducing the award by $500 per student will save money but still encourage testing and grading of schools.
When it comes to programs, K-12 schools also can make better use of less expensive supplies. Arts funding was cut by 50 percent this year. If students want to keep the option of working on more expensive projects, for those who can afford it, some of the money could come out of their own pockets.
School athletics are another program that students could pay for out of their own pockets. Participation in sports is a privilege for students, so through adopting a pay-to-play initiative, schools will save a lot of funding.
Finally, as our legislators, we suggest you only work part time and not be paid when you are not working. This would also increase efficiency by making sure you as legislators focus on the crucial issues facing the state.
In addition, pay raises should not be an option right now. If you are asking the public to give up a few things, you should set an example and give a few things up as well, possibly by proposing a pay decrease.
We hope you consider our suggestions and the suggestions of all who take the time to voice their concerns.
Sincerely,
The State News
