ALLENDALE, Mich. - Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas referenced
the state's constitution and the history of successful entrepreneurs
in Michigan to remind a Senate subcommittee of its obligation to
educate the state's citizens.
Haas was among university leaders who testified at the Senate
Subcommittee Higher Education hearing at Saginaw Valley State
University. It was the first of a series of hearings that will be held
around the state as senators gather information for the FY 2011 state budget.
Haas reminded senators of these words in the Michigan
constitution, "…schools and the means of education shall forever
be encouraged."
Haas went on to say it's apparent that higher education is no
longer a funding priority as the state has steadily been shifting the
cost of educating future leaders away from all taxpayers onto
students. The cost of education isn't climbing; rather, what's
changed is who pays the bill - today, it is students and their families.
"It is intellectually disingenuous when policy makers cut
appropriations and then complain when tuition goes up," Haas
said. "That is, unless what they have in mind is reducing the
number of public university seats for Michigan citizens.”
Grand Valley's enrollment and degrees awarded have doubled in
the last ten years while state aid per student has actually decreased.
Grand Valley is the only state campus to receive fewer state aid
dollars per student today than it did 25 years ago.
"I think that each one of you on this panel has a moral
obligation as well as constitutional requirement to support higher
education" Haas told lawmakers.
As chair of the Presidents Council State Universities of
Michigan, Haas called for a mutually beneficial partnership with the
state, "not just an annual duel over the checkbook." He said
universities need predictability, stability and rationality.
The full text of Haas' testimony can be read here [DOC]. A copy of the PowerPoint slides he presented can be downloaded here [PPT].
