States surrounding us continue to fund higher education at much more generous rates than Utah because they recognize the benefit of an educated workforce. Even though Higher ed had a great year last year in terms of funding increases, more support is needed to sustain what is arguably the most important economic driver in our state. There is no better investment than in educating our workforce. I would urge our state legislature to recognize this and to support higher education year in and year out. It will pay huge benefits.

The Regents want more money, so what else is new? Perhaps the different schools are trying to offer to much, and should cut back on some degrees, just like BYU did to the Social Work Bachlers program. Cut back in some areas to offer better in all other areas seems better than to keep pouring more money into the school systerm. Do Utah schools really develop a new generation to replace the older here. Go up on campus and look around at all the students from other countries. I know of Asain, African, European studens all there. Will these stay in Utah, most likly not. Lets cut back and put our own Students first. Say anyone graduation from a Utah High School has first priority at Utah Colleges. Think this is already the way it is, call and talk to any one in the Health Sciences up there. We pay to support the schools, but our children are not at the top of the list to use the schools here. Wyoming puts there own first already, as we should be doing.