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Schools face possible cuts
by Grover Greer
The Metropolitan
College students could see tuition increase up to three
times the current amount, which for full-time Metro students could be
over $4,500 a year, if state funding is cut to help solve budget problems.
Sen. Ron Teck, R-Grand Junction, said if another solution
doesn’t present itself, the state will be forced to cut funding
to colleges and universities by at least $450 million, but the cuts could
top $500 million over the next three years.
Teck said he doesn’t see institutions becoming totally
private.
“We would make sure that the universities or colleges
that are affected could increase their tuition,” Teck said. “That
would mean that tuition would increase two to three times the current
rate.”
The House Education Committee voted unanimously this Monday
in favor of allowing voters to decide in November whether or not to make
colleges and universities free enterprises.
The amendment, House Resolution 1004, would loosen the restrictions
of the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, possibly raising the limit of
state funds a higher education institution can receive, which is currently
10 percent.
Metro Communications Director Cathy Lucas said President
Ray Kieft will not comment on the possibility of Metro becoming a private
institution until he reads the higher education budget for next year.
“The JBC has not released the higher education budget
numbers yet,” Lucas said. “Until that is released, Dr. Kieft
feels uncomfortable speculating on whether or not privatization is an
option for higher education.”
Teck also said the state would not be able to increase financial
aid to help students cope with the increase. Students would have to find
a “private or other option for financial aid.” Teck admitted
the natural consequence would be that many would not be able to afford
higher education, a consequence others feel would hurt Colorado in the
long run.
“A highly educated workforce helped in driving up
the economy in the ‘90s,” Sen. Jim Isgar, D-Durango, said.
“We are going to hurt in the future if our younger generations don’t
have access to (higher) education.”
While Isgar admitted there is a problem with the state budget,
he said he is concerned
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