2001 is a year to remember for Idaho higher education

Two hundred thirty-six million dollars. The biggest higher education budget ever. A year to remember for higher education. Does that sound like a “slap in the face” to you? Does that sound like “lawmakers turned their backs on students”? Does that sound like lawmakers see us as “mindless sheep”? Quite the contrary!

I find it interesting that the Arbiter would write an opinion piece on a subject for which they haven’t even reported the facts. Such was the case in an editorial entitled, “Lawmakers: support students today for tomorrow” (April 25, Arbiter).

As lobbyists for ASBSU this past year, we worked with the state’s lawmakers on issues dealing with higher education. During that time the Arbiter wanted to do a story on our work at the capitol building. I set an appointment, but the reporter didn’t show. Then, rather than write an article reporting the facts, they leave you with nothing more than a small opinion piece pitting you against our legislators. This is simply irresponsible.

It is important for you to know what really happened at the legislature this year. It is time to set the record straight.

Their article states that legislative session “began with hope when Gov. Kempthorne announced his recommendation for the most generous higher education appropriation in years.” This is one thing the article got right. The governor was a champion for the cause of higher education throughout the session. But he was not alone. There were many champions for the cause of higher education this year. Let’s give credit where credit is due.

The legislative session started quickly for higher education with the passage of the Promise Scholarship. Sen. Lee of Rexburg sponsored this bill. (The Promise Scholarship is the state-funded program that awards $500 a year for two years to graduating high school seniors with a 3.0 GPA or a 20 on the ACT who continue their education in Idaho.)

The focus shifted quickly to BSU

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