The light bulb has finally illuminated for Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter as he announced jobs and education as the top two priorities for the 2012 budget, and it’s about time.
During the last couple years, education on every level has suffered from millions of dollars in budget cuts. State officials failed to see the connection between education and an improved economy.
In his State of the State Address Monday, Otter said jobs and education are inseparable. Both components are key in helping to revitalize the state’s economy.
In comparison to last year alone, this year’s budget proposal already seems to be a huge improvement for education throughout the state.
Otter said in his proposal that he is recommending full funding for the cost of enrollment growth, and moving into and operating new facilities for all universities, colleges and community colleges.
Enrollment growth is key to increasing revenue generated by higher education. The more students who attend each institution, the more money from tuition, campus housing and dining, school events, and other common student activities.
Not only would the institutions feel the increase in dollars, but the communities that support the schools. It’s simple math: More people lead to higher demand for products and services, which equals an improved economy.
The second half of the deal — full funding for moving into and operating new facilities on campuses — is a logical addition and smart move. It’s a cause and effect situation, and it’s good that Otter has built it into his proposal.
He also proposed full funding for Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna’s Students Come First plan, which was voted into effect in 2010.
Full funding for educational institutions and programs is exactly what Idaho needs, even though there is heavy debate surrounding Luna’s Students Come First plan.
We should focus on the idea that there will hopefully be funds to support higher education in Idaho, instead of becoming bogged down in the debate about whether the plan will work or is a smart use of funds.
Although it has taken him a while, Otter has said he is putting funding for education in the forefront of Idaho’s priorities.
Let’s hope it actually happens.
— ER
– See more at: file:///Volumes/argonaut$/stories/sections/opinion/stories/2012/Jan/13/light_bulb_on.html#sthash.i09KRiIV.dpuf
During the last couple years, education on every level has suffered from millions of dollars in budget cuts. State officials failed to see the connection between education and an improved economy.
In his State of the State Address Monday, Otter said jobs and education are inseparable. Both components are key in helping to revitalize the state’s economy.
In comparison to last year alone, this year’s budget proposal already seems to be a huge improvement for education throughout the state.
Otter said in his proposal that he is recommending full funding for the cost of enrollment growth, and moving into and operating new facilities for all universities, colleges and community colleges.
Enrollment growth is key to increasing revenue generated by higher education. The more students who attend each institution, the more money from tuition, campus housing and dining, school events, and other common student activities.
Not only would the institutions feel the increase in dollars, but the communities that support the schools. It’s simple math: More people lead to higher demand for products and services, which equals an improved economy.
The second half of the deal — full funding for moving into and operating new facilities on campuses — is a logical addition and smart move. It’s a cause and effect situation, and it’s good that Otter has built it into his proposal.
He also proposed full funding for Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna’s Students Come First plan, which was voted into effect in 2010.
Full funding for educational institutions and programs is exactly what Idaho needs, even though there is heavy debate surrounding Luna’s Students Come First plan.
We should focus on the idea that there will hopefully be funds to support higher education in Idaho, instead of becoming bogged down in the debate about whether the plan will work or is a smart use of funds.
Although it has taken him a while, Otter has said he is putting funding for education in the forefront of Idaho’s priorities.
Let’s hope it actually happens.
— ER
– See more at: file:///Volumes/argonaut$/stories/sections/opinion/stories/2012/Jan/13/light_bulb_on.html#sthash.i09KRiIV.dpuf