I'm a student at Kent State University. I have to go to a branch campus to save money. This semester I am only taking one class so I can work full-time to save up some bank. I am about to go in and pay my bill, for one couse. It comes to $720.00! For one class!
Is this what we want out of a state university? It's un-fucking-believeable. This year the rates went up I believe 6%. Last year it was 9%. But our state budgets are fucked.
Why?
First off, we've got the GOP running the show. Anyone that's a regular to this site has heard about CoinGate, about Noe, and about Taft's recent conviction. Every year our state legislature writes up a budget, and every year our State Supreme Court deems it un-constitutional (based on it's school funding issues, mainly the voucher program). But the GOP doesn't mind skipping constitutionality in favor of faith-based bullshit. That's the best way to get ahead in Bush Country. Heck, my own Mayor got a front row seat at the Repub's National Convention last fall.
And the final death-grip on the state budget is the war on Iraq. According to CostofWar, my state has blown over 7 billion on it, not to mention the lives of all the soldiers we have lost (again, putting Ohio into the spotlight). And these soldiers, these are just kids, kids my age. My classmates. Probably joining the military to pay for the education they couldn't afford.
But don't let it be said that my Representative to Congress doesn't dish out cash to colleges. He has his own little pork barrel, the Stark State School of Technology. It's a tech school, focusing on 2-year degrees. Money is thrown at this school, pushing the idea of a lower-class, a Them and Us situation. And I have a good idea what side Regula is on. Meanwhile, 4 year liberal arts (oh no! Liberal!) schools dangle on the vine, rotting away.
Thanks, state GOP! You've worked wonders for my little life!