Higher Education

It is shameful that in a state with such a highly educated population, we don’t support our institutions of higher education in a more robust way. Colorado has top-notch state universities in the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and the University of Northern Colorado. We have a terrific network of state colleges and community colleges offering advanced educational opportunities for thousands of students throughout Colorado. For example, Metro State College in Denver offers all kinds of opportunities for students studying a myriad of subjects.

The Dept. of Higher Education depends on General Fund money for significant portions of its funding. Because of limitations on General Fund spending discussed in the comments on Fiscal Constraints, there is very little revenue left for Higher Education after other mandatory spending occurs. The state’s colleges and universities suffered disproportionately large cuts during the 2001-03 economic downturn compared to other state agencies. The Dept. of Higher Education’s funding is still below where it was in 2002. According to an independent study done for the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, Colorado’s higher education institutions received 64% of average funding in other states. (Looking Forward: Colorado’s Fiscal Prospects after Ref. C, Bell Policy Center, Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Dec. 2007)

We must find ways to support our higher education institutions at a higher and more meaningful level. Addressing the fiscal constraints of the Constitution in a responsible and effective way is a first step. Some foundations and individuals from the private sector have stepped up to provide additional scholarships and opportunities to Colorado youth who want to attend college, and I applaud those efforts. All of our young people who want to attend college should be provided that opportunity. I will work to find solutions so that our higher education institutions can have the resources to prepare our youth for an increasingly competitive global market and so they can compete for the best professors and research facilities successfully.