This is my first post under the “Grind My Gears” category. This posts will cover my rants, or things that I don’t believe are right.
All of you know how bad the economy is. Though they aren’t calling this a “Great Depression”, they have termed it the “Great Recession”. The State of Virginia has been hit harder than some states due to their heavy reliance on real estate taxes, and a free spending ex-Governor. Over the next two years we are looking at another 4 billion dollar deficit. We’ve already patched holes of 2 billion, and 1.6 billion respectively, so trying to cut another 4 billion is not going to be easy. The State has made major cuts in it’s departments, and their state colleges and universities. Seeing 1st hand (I work in higher-ed) what these cuts can do, I was hoping that 2010 would get our economy on an upswing and slow the losses down. I don’t think the state universities can take much more, but Virginia is proposing a new law (the 1st of its kind) that will allow them not only to cut funds that the State provides, but also dip their hands into the University’s bank accounts that keep things like, the dining hall operational, or you know…things like heat and electricity turned on. The State is now looking to require state colleges and universities to deposit part of their tuition and fees into a State bank account so they can balance the budget. This would be like the Feds saying: “I know that we took taxes from you last year, but if you could just go ahead and send 5% of your bank account to us that would be great.”
The reason that they are trying to get this through? Well State law only allows the governor to make up to 15% cuts to university’s general fund (the money provided by the state) during each fiscal year. To date, Virginia universities have had 35% of their general funds cut already, and project to lose another 26% over the next two years. But due to that cap, the State wants to find ways to take more money away…soooooo they are trying to change the law, and take money that ISN’T THEIRS! Not only that, but they are looking to take the most money from the universities that have the most fees saved up. So for being fiscally responsible, and saving money in order to keep the students sheltered from the failing economy, and trying to provide a good education to its students, Virginia wants to punish you and take more money.
So if this law gets passed, and you see tuition and fees skyrocket across the state, please don’t blame the school, but start calling your politicians, because they are going to be the ones responsible.
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