Characterizing the present state fiscal difficulty as a "crisis" is gravely understating the enormity of the problem actually confronting citizens of Michigan. A crisis is generally typified by a critical problem that is transient in nature; the proposed budget cuts proffered by the Granholm administration, if approved, will permanently impair the quality of life for every citizen of this state.

The administration's pathologic fixation with the expense side of the budget equation is profoundly threatening our state's long-term viability.

This shortsighted focus is clearly evident in the recommended budget cuts proposed for higher education. While all state-funded institutions are anticipating a uniform 6 percent decline in state dollars, the bulk of the $81.6 million slashed from MSU will be achieved by eliminating agriculture research and the agriculture extension service. Both of these programs have long been flagships of this first land-grant university. Obviously, Michigan's economic recovery is lagging behind that of the nation.

But present investment in the creation of human intellectual capital will help ensure enduring prosperity once the economy is revitalized.

Draconian budget cuts, then, are not the answer. State fiscal planning authorities should redirect their focus to enhancing the revenue side of the budget equation.

Thomas G. Cooper
Department of Radiology assistant chair