Drastic cuts, tuition increases loom for Washington state universities

[Hannah Bell]

Washington state Governor Christine Gregoire, a Democrat, in January proposed a 2011-2013 budget calling for more than $630 million in cuts to higher education. Every aspect of the university system will be affected, including tuition, enrollment, programs and staffing.

In a letter to state legislators, Phyllis M. Wise, interim president of the University of Washington (UW), detailed the consequences of the new budget. UW is the largest university in the state system.

According to Wise, Governor Gregoire’s current proposal would increase in-state tuition for the University of Washington from $8,698 per year to $9,638 in 2012 and $10,688 in 2013, a rise of 10.8 percent each year. Even these hikes, however, will not prevent a further erosion of the quality of education at UW, as Wise maintains that a 20.5 percent yearly tuition increase is necessary to fully make up for the new reductions in funding.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/mar2011/wash-m08.shtml

[Skittles]

1. they'll make sure only the kids of wealthy folk get higher education

yup