Heineman's Rhetoric and Actions Don't Match Up on Higher Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2007
Contact: Eric Fought
(402) 434-2184
eric@nebraskademocrats.org
Heineman’s Rhetoric and Actions Don’t Match Up on Higher Education
LINCOLN, Neb. – When Governor Dave Heineman was seeking to retain his seat last fall, a common theme of his campaign was the need to increase college attendance. In his Executive Budget Briefing on January 11th, and in other recent public statements, he has proposed that “jobs for our young people is the ultimate goal.”
Considering those statements and goals, Nebraskans are wondering why the governor is failing to tackle the real issues facing college enrollment and the future of our state’s university system. In his proposed budget, Governor Heineman calls for a mere 1.1 percent increase in funding for the university system in 2007-2008 and 2.2 percent in 2008-2009.
When the state fails to increase funding, tuition rises and enrollment drops.
“The way to increase jobs in this state is to aggressively finance higher education,” said Matt Connealy, Executive Director of the Nebraska Democratic Party. “The jobs of today and the future require highly qualified and educated individuals to fill the positions. Unfortunately, it appears Governor Heineman hasn’t made that connection as of yet.”
The governor has stated that he believes a repeal of the estate tax combined with income tax cuts will create jobs for Nebraska’s young people. While the estate tax might benefit a few University of Nebraska students, it will have little impact on ensuring that all of Nebraska’s young people find a reason to go to college, stay in the state and contribute to our society.
“The governor is ignoring the needs of the majority of Nebraska’s future workforce by catering to the desires of a select few,” said Connealy. “Nebraska can and must do better.”