The current call to action, which precedes the introduction of what will be a very austere FY 2011 budget for higher education, urges Network members to ask leaders in Trenton to make higher education a priority and support college opportunity, affordability and excellence at state colleges and universities through deregulation and elimination of state unfunded mandates. Deregulation gives presidents and trustees greater freedom to manage costs and serve students in tough economic times.
Governor Christie has vowed to bring needed attention to higher education, which he says has been badly neglected in New Jersey. He has placed higher education among his top six goals. He has talked about the need for a strong, strategic connection between higher education and job creation and economic development.
Unfortunately, the governor found it necessary cut current-year (FY 2010) funding for higher education to close a large anticipated budget deficit. Cuts to the nine state colleges and universities totaling $17 million will have to be absorbed between now and June 30. This will be the sixth round of cuts at state colleges and universities in the past decade.
As important as funding is to helping the colleges maintain quality and affordability, it is equally important that New Jersey's governor and legislature work to eliminate unneeded, outdated and costly state regulation. Regulation in areas such as purchasing, facilities construction and personnel policies drives up costs and hampers innovation.
The state can also help the colleges by eliminating unfunded mandates which cost the colleges millions of dollars. The combination of unfunded mandates and costly state regulation depletes precious educational resources and places a greater tuition burden on students.