A State Senator has a proposal to hold down tuition costs at the state’s colleges and universities.
Ray Holmberg (R-Grand Forks) is proposing that a percentage of new money the 2015 Legislature gives to the University System is dedicated to instructional costs. Holmberg says he wants that money spent in the classroom, not in administration.
"Feed opportunity, and starve problems," said Holmberg. He says his proposal comes on the heels of the Board of Higher Education’s latest decision on tuition.
"It's been like theater," said Holmberg. "We've had drama. We've had comedy. We've had farce. Now with the discussions about tuition and why they (college presidents) felt they were forced to raise tuition, we've had 'skunk opera.'"
Holmberg says the board of higher education is unjustly blaming the Legislature for not fully funding a new higher-ed funding formula.
"That is hooey," said Holmberg.
Holmberg also says he expects some lawmakers will move to have the Legislature again take over setting tuition rates at the colleges – something it gave up nearly 15 years ago, with the implementation of the higher-ed roundtable recommendations.
