Don’t rob higher ed to fund other education mandates

By Stan Barer and Hugh Spitzer. WASHINGTON’S Office of Financial Management recently warned the state’s public universities to expect severe budget cuts in the next fiscal year — possibly up to 15 percent. Much of the impetus for this threat comes from the state Supreme Court’s requirement that the Legislature live up to the Constitution’s declaration that the “paramount duty” of state government is “to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders.” More...