With the state s budget near completion and just days before the 2001 Legislature packs it in, it s doubtful Montana s public colleges and universities will walk away with the funding increases they d initially sought. In fact, it appears the university system will fall far short of what it says it needs to cover its debts. Montana higher education seems to struggle each session convincing lawmakers that its needs are dire. Regardless of the reason, public colleges aren t getting what they want and have assured a 9 percent annual student tuition hike unless more state funding is made available.
Lawmakers don t appear to be moved.
Top budgeting legislators say it s highly unlikely higher education will see any major differences in state spending promised so far, arguing there simply isn t the cash available in tight budget times. What s more, most legislators have promised any unexpected pockets of money will go not to higher education, but K-12 schools. Under the Montana Constitution, the Board of Regents decides how to spend state dollars, not lawmakers. I m really disappointed, really discouraged, that this Legislature has such a low opinion of public education, especially higher education, said Buzzas, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee. But Sen. Bob Keenan, R-Bigfork, chairman of the powerful Finance and Claims Committee, said part of the problem is that there is a mistrust of the university system.