The Iola Register recently had this to say on higher education spending:

“If Kansas supported higher education as well today as it did in 1990, it would have to spend $197.4 million MORE this year than it is devoting to its universities, community colleges and vocational schools.

“That’s right. As a percentage of state income, we’re spending less on higher ed today than we did 13 years ago — and it’s beginning to show. …

“With state spending falling off so drastically, it is no wonder that the regents universities are being forced to raise tuition and that the state’s community colleges must make up for state underfunding with property tax hikes as well as increases in tuition and fees. …

“Unless funding is raised high enough to allow Kansas schools to compete, the quality of higher education in our state will fall. Once that decline begins, it could accelerate quickly as morale drops and leaving Kansas campuses for greener pastures becomes the thing to do.

“Then the challenge would be to find the resources to rebuild and re-establish our hard-won reputation for academic excellence. …

“You can help by asking Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and every legislator you know to make a simple substitute in their campaign rhetoric. When they want to talk about lowering taxes, ask them to say ‘lowering educational quality’ instead. …

“Then ask them if they really will make those dismal promises to the people of Kansas in January. …

“As of now, our leaders aren’t taking Kansas where it needs to go.

“Please tell them to change course before they sink the ship.”