2008 Legislative Agenda (Cont.)
The resources to compete
As we prepare to meet our competitive challenges, we should understand that an estimated 90 percent of the fastest-growing high-wage jobs will require at least some postsecondary education. To meet this challenge, higher education must have the financial resources needed to prepare students to compete successfully for those high-wage jobs.
State appropriations play a crucial role in improving access to higher education in our state and assuring a high level of quality instruction for our students and access through financial aid. Over the last several years, however, the state contribution to institutional budget has decreased significantly. Twenty years ago, state appropriations amounted to nearly 70 percent of the budget. Today, it is less than 50 percent.
