Opinion: Clear message with tuition

In deciding whether or not to approve a proposed 7.5 percent tuition increase for the state university system, Gov. Jeb Bush will reveal a great deal about his attitude toward higher education in Florida.

Does the governor believe a healthy university system is essential to the future of a growing state? If so, the tuition increase will be approved. Strong universities cost money, but they repay their communities many times over in economic growth and quality of life. Even after five years of increases, Florida universities' tuition is the lowest in the South and among the lowest in the nation. And this year, lawmakers actually cut the university system's budget by $12-million -- even though the campuses will be asked to absorb the costs of 5,500 additional students, as well as the administrative costs of Bush's sweeping reorganization of the system.

Or is the governor out to punish a university system that he and many Republican lawmakers view with suspicion? The administrative changes Bush has forced on the system often look less like a reorganization plan than a vendetta, and some of those chosen by Bush to serve on the new state Board of Education have expressed contempt for Florida's public schools and universities.

Money alone can't build a great university system, but inadequate funding can make it impossible to build one. Although the tuition increase wouldn't fully compensate for the Legislature's cuts, it could mean the difference between a tough budget year and a disastrous one.

The governor has sent mixed messages about his support for higher education. His decision on the tuition increase will send a very clear one.

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright