Public universities all around the country are facing difficult times as state policymakers weigh tuition increases, financial aid, and budget reductions. The Chronicle of Higher Education has a story that lays out some of the approaches being considered in different states, and the competing interests at stake — it’s worth a look.
Yesterday also saw legislative leaders and representatives from the executive branch meet the press for the annual Associated Press Legislative Forum. As expected, most of the discussion focused on the budget, with broad agreement that the current $5.7 billion gap could increase before the end of session.
Another area of broad agreement — closing the budget gap won’t get easier with time, so lawmakers will move mountains to get their work done in the 105 day regular session.
And a final area of agreement — no one is going to describe this session as fun.