I'm all for cutting spending.  The State of Rhode Island seems to spend lots of time subsidizing bad decisions, and spending money in a wasteful manner.  With that said, there are two areas where I never like to see budget cuts: Public transportation and higher education.  Both are important to the local economy, and both help people improve themselves and stay productive. 

     Today's Providence Journal features an article by Jennifer Jordan about the sorry state of Rhode Island's higher education.  If higher ed. dooesn't receive an additional $4.5 million from the State, they are looking at a substantial mid year tuition increase at the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the Community College of Rhode Island.  If that isn't bad enough, there is a possibility tuition could be increased by 20% or more next year. 

     In recent years, the percentage of higher education funded by the State has decreased steadily.  We cannot allow this to continue.  These cuts are discouraging growth at URI, RIC, and CCRI, and it's making it harder for individuals to improve themselves by pursuing a college degree.  Between tuition increases this year and a potential 20% increase next year, I wonder  how many people are going to have to put off their education?  Does the State care?

http://www.projo.com/news/content/HIGHER_EDUCATION_HIKES_09-28-08_V9BNG7D_v56.16e9671.html