Tough choices for higher education
A Times EditorialPublished October 30, 2007
A 5 percent tuition increase is barely enough to stop the financial bleeding of Florida's universities next semester, but the way Gov. Charlie Crist signed the bill last week creates new hope for higher education.
That the governor agreed to the increase, reversing his previous opposition, is encouraging. But the words he wrote also bear repeating:
"I want all concerned parties to understand that piecemeal approaches to our higher education system are unacceptable to me. I am calling on our higher education leaders to work with me and the Legislature to develop a multiyear plan and action steps to ensure quality education and access for the growing numbers of Floridians who seek higher education in our state. ... It should build on my inaugural promise to create an education system that is not only the best in the country but the best in the world."
Words are notoriously cheap, but Gov. Crist will find a willing audience for such ambition. University chancellor Mark Rosenberg is already laying groundwork with his "Forward By Design" initiative and building an impressive coalition to support greater investment in higher education.
Tuition increases are only part of the package and, given the state rock-bottom ranking nationally, may be the easiest part. The real test for Crist will come when he has to confront politically sensitive issues, such as the nearly $400-million spent each year on Bright Futures Scholarships, and identify new resources at a time when state revenues are in decline. He may also have to challenge the Legislature for its unpredictable and untimely approach to annual allocations, perhaps turning to the kind of university compact Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger uses in California.
The next step for Gov. Crist will be to accept the financial reality, to acknowledge that, at least for the foreseeable future, the state will not be able to reprioritize its way into higher education excellence. The governor's own budget-cut plan for this year is a good example. He called for a $272-million cut to higher education, even as universities freeze enrollment and community colleges cope with 50,000 new students. Fortunately, the Legislature cut only half as deep.
Sometimes the toughest part of leadership is telling people what they don't want to hear. But Crist already has seen that many college students are so eager to improve their own education they actually supported increasing their tuition. They understand that their lunch is not free, and other higher-education advocates, including businesses, also seem to accept the financial obligations that are associated with the governor's ambitions.
Crist can leave his mark on Florida if he is willing to make the tough decisions in higher education. His signature on the tuition bill is only the start.