EDUCATION: State is aiming higher

Higher education offers a collective thank you to the Idaho Legislature and governor for their support and recommended appropriation this year that will reap economic benefits for the state like a rising tide lifting all boats.

In particular, we thank Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter for recommending a budget that was easily rallied around because it addressed the needs of our growing student populations as well as the economic development needs of the state. The governor’s leadership set the stage for the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee to recommend an overall increase for higher education to the entire Legislature.

Idaho’s public colleges and universities will be careful stewards of these funds, which will provide much needed support to help us serve our students, operate our classrooms and labs, and enhance our ability to meet the demands of local and state workforce needs. We also will increase our research capacity in response to the needs of industry through programs like the governor’s IGEM initiative, ultimately helping to drive our economy with new high-paying jobs.

Colleges and universities are safe ports in the economic storms our state has faced. We make tremendous contributions to the regional and state economies through the educational and economic attainment of our graduates, as a generator of economic activity, and as a source of innovation and competitive advantage. As a knowledge-based enterprise, we bring new money into Idaho with jobs, education and research.

Given all the competing priorities, we recognize the difficult decisions being made by members of the Legislature. We are indeed fortunate to have this support when our peers in neighboring states continue to face severe budget cuts that affect the quality of their educational experience. On behalf of our respective campus communities, we appreciate the investment in our colleges and universities as places of opportunity and growth for the future.

ROBERT KUSTRA, President, Boise State University

ARTHUR VAILAS, President, Idaho State University

DUANE NELLIS, President, University of Idaho

ANTHONY FERNANDEZ, President, Lewis-Clark State College

JERRY BECK, President, College of Southern Idaho

BERT GLANDON, President, College of Western Idaho

PRISCILLA BELL, President, North Idaho College

STEVEN ALBISTON, President, Eastern Idaho Technical College