From the Higher Education Partnership: Take a Stand in Opposition to SB 581

The Higher Education Partnership is calling on each member and friend of the state's public universities to take a stand in opposition to SB-581 and any other legislation that impacts the institution's ability to manage tuition and fees. While the Partnership shares in the desire to see the Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (PACT) program operating effectively, it is opposed to the current plan because it impacts the ability of the institution to manage its financial affairs.

The current legislation cannot be supported because it would allow the legislature to tamper with tuition and fees at the universities. Further, the proposal creates a process where the legislature may take money from the Education Trust Fund; this is also a proposition we formally oppose.

Since the state has persisted in reducing university funding percentages, the institutions have had no choice but turn to tuition as a vehicle for maintaining the necessary operating funds. The responsibility for setting tuition and fees currently rests on the shoulders of the Board of Trustees. They have the best understanding of the financial issues and circumstances at each university. The board members are primarily responsible for the fiscal soundness of the institutions and must maintain their ability to manage tuition and fees in the most effective manner. Over the course of the past decade, tuition and fees have been critical to faculty salaries, technology, bond-ratings for new construction resources and other key institutional activities.

All university supporters are encouraged to contact their House and Senate members immediately to oppose SB-581 and any other legislation that impacts and institution's ability to manage tuition and fees. If this bill passes, your institution's ability to meet its mission will be eroded and as much as $70 million could be taken from the Education Trust Fund over the next few years. Call Today!

CONTACT THE HOUSE & SENATE AND LET THEM KNOW YOU OPPOSE SB 581

House of Representatives - 334-242-7600

Senate - 334-242-7800

 

Calhoun County's Legislators:

Representative Lea Fite, 40th District (D)- Calhoun County
Phone (334) 242-7681

Representative Randy Wood, 36th District (R)- Calhoun/St. Clair Counties
Phone (334) 242-7700

Senator Del Marsh, 12th District (R)
Phone (334) 242-7877

 

 

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