Pubdate: Thu, 11 Oct 2001
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Copyright: 2001 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.jsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265
Author: Nicholas Pruhs

FUNDING FOCUS SHOULD BE ON EDUCATION, NOT CRIME

As a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I was 
distressed to read about the huge tuition increases ("Higher tuition raises 
fears," Oct. 6). These increases are a direct result of a change in state 
budgeting priorities. Money is being shifted out of education and into the 
state prison system.

In addition to the tuition increases, we have seen and will continue to see 
more reliance on out-of-state tuition dollars. Since those students 
generate more revenue through higher tuition, they have been and will be 
given more seats at our universities. This makes it more difficult for our 
own bright youngsters to attend the best schools in Wisconsin so that more 
of their less fortunate brethren of the same age can be locked up, 
generally for non-violent drug offenses.

Case in point: the mandatory sentencing guidelines Wisconsin recently 
enacted. I think parents, students and anyone else who values education 
should consider this next time they hear a politician getting tough on 
education - I mean crime.

Nicholas Pruhs
Wauwatosa
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MAP posted-by: Beth