SB-170, the Tuition Equity Bill was voted down in the Senate 16-18 on Monday, April 6. In defeating this bill, the opponents were quick to point out how "costly" this could be to the state which is going through an economic crisis. Whose "fuzzy math" was being quoted?
If the bill would have passed as written, it would have provided more dollars into the universities as a representative from the University of Northern Colorado argued before the Senate Education Committee. This argument makes sense: increasing the volume of students attending an institution increases revenues. These students are not being given a "free ride" as they still have to PAY the tuition. Every student attending classes knows tuition is not the only cost. Each student has to come up with lab fees, buy books, pay parking fees (or bus fare), pay for meals/shelter (pay taxes on food items), pay for gas for their vehicles, to name a few.
What's disturbing is that not one of the opponents addressed the high drop-out rate and its financial implication to our high schools. The opportunity to pursue higher education may very well have increased the likelihood of children staying in school. Since our schools are receiving over $7,000.00 per student, doesn't it make sense to inspire our youth with availability of higher education?
Governor Ritter recently visited the Silicon Valley in California to attract businesses to Colorado. Business does not only look at the supply and demand principal on tangible goods, it must take into account the "human" or should we call this "educated/skilled" labor. There are ten states that have passed similar legislation: ten states that may very well be appreciative of our senate.
Please take the time to thank the following legislators for supporting Tuition Equity:
Sponsor Chris Romer, 303.886.4852, chris.romer.senate@state.co.us
Bob Bacon, 303.886.4841,
Betty Boyd, 303.886.4857,
Joyce Foster, 303.886.4875,
Dan Gibbs, 303.886.4873,
Senate President Peter Groff, 303.886.3342,
Rollie Heath, 303.886.4872,
Evie Hudak, 303.886.4840,
John Morse, 303.886.6364,
Paula Sandoval, 303.886.4862,
Gail Schwartz, 303.886. 4871,
Brandon Shaffer, 303.886.3341,
Abel Tapia, 303.886.2581,
Jennifer Veiga, 303.886.4861,
Suzanne Williams, 303.886.3432,
Also, the following Representatives put forward their best efforts to move SB 170 in the House and also deserve recognition for their work:
Sponsor Joe Miklosi, 303.866.2910,
Mark Ferrandino, 303.866.2911,
Joel Judd, 303.866.2925,
Paul Weissmann, 303.866.2348,
Thank you.
Thomas F. Ogas
President and CEO
