State pickle: higher-ed funds

Gov. Olene Walker's proposed 4 percent increase in funding for higher education is far from getting wholesale approval from lawmakers, who are already thinking outside the state's fiscal box.

It's an early approach that worries higher education officials.

That's because the Legislature is also boxed in by growing, persistent needs among Utah's 10 public colleges and universities. The money problems in higher education are clear — what remains uncertain for the Legislature is how to solve them.

Walker recommended a $39 million increase over last fiscal year's budget. She wants $26 million alone for salary and benefit increases on Utah campuses.

The State Board of Regents applauded her proposal, glad there were not budget cuts as in the 2002-03 budget year when state tax funds for higher education dipped by almost $18 million. Lawmakers also liked Walker's pitch, albeit while biting their lips.

"I think there's a general support for increased funding in higher education," said Sen. David Gladwell, R-Ogden, co-chairman of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee. "The issue comes down to where that money will come from."

Even with the proposed increase, funding is still short by about $80 million of what higher education officials say they need. Details on additional funding sources to fulfill Walker's plan are fuzzy.

Rep. Bradley Johnson, R-Aurora, the House co-chairman on the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, fears that road and water project funds will take it in the knees for higher education.

"I think water is pretty darn important," Johnson said. But he also likes Walker's recommendation.

Still, talks prior to the 2004 Legislature are focusing on the creation of more savings in higher education, according to Johnson. It's what Gladwell calls thinking outside the "public funding box."

But relying too much on that kind of thinking won't add up to real solutions, says Commissioner of Higher Education Richard Kendell.

"My point is to try and give the Legislature an even, rational response that some further investment is going to have to be made in higher education," he said. "Or, we're going to have to limit access — and no one wants to limit access."

High stakes

One solution to limited college access due to rising operating costs is passing the problem along to the students, says Kendell.