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 - --- MAP posted-by: Beth