CentralJersey.com

March 18, 2010

 

Gov. Christie's FY 2011 budget proposal would reduce direct operating support to the state colleges by about $50 million, or 15 percent, compared to the FY 2010 budget (which included federal stimulus funds).  We also find it incomprehensible that this proposal zeroes out support for Thomas Edison State College, which is a unique, highly cost-effective institution providing undergraduate and graduate education to over 18,000 highly motivated learners.  It is unfortunate that the governor and Legislature face such difficult funding decisions at this time in New Jersey's history.

 

This proposal would cause a significant blow to higher education opportunity in a state that has been going in the wrong direction in support of higher education for many years.  During FY 2005-FY 2009, New Jersey ranks:  third nationally in full-time equivalent student enrollment growth; 49th in revenue per full-time equivalent student (appropriations and tuition); and 47th in appropriations for full-time equivalent students (Source:  SHEEO, 2010).

 

At stake are the future of quality, affordable, four-year college opportunity for New Jersey residents and New Jersey's long-term prosperity and economic competitiveness.

 

The proposal funds the nine state colleges with about the same number of dollars they received in the mid 1990s -- not adjusted for inflation.  At that time, the institutions had 25,000 fewer students.

 

Another particularly difficult matter is the anticipated cost of state negotiated salary increases, estimated to be $30 million for the nine member institutions.  No state funding is provided in the budget proposal to help institutions pay these state-mandated increases.  The total funding loss over the past 12 years equals $175 million.

 

These cuts make all the more urgent the need for the governor and Legislature to help eliminate costly and unnecessary red tape affecting the colleges and to bring an end to mandates that cost the colleges millions of dollars at the expense of service, opportunity and affordability.

 

Fortunately, the budget proposal recognizes the need for these remedies, supported by NJASCU institutions, related to civil service, workmen's compensation and collective bargaining.

 

NJASCU leaders, including presidents and trustees, met today in a regularly scheduled board meeting; discussed the possible effects of anticipated cuts; and are committed to providing the governor, Legislature and citizens with objective information about the effect on college opportunity throughout the budget process.

 

NJASCU institutions pledge to work with the governor and Legislature in a nonpartisan manner to ensure continuation of quality higher education service in New Jersey.

 

Paul R. Shelly, Director of Communications
NJ Association of State Colleges and Universities

 

Find this article:  http://centraljersey.com/articles/2010/03/18/all_stories/doc4ba2a9c081d3c654936897.txt