One representative pointedly criticized Pate Phillips' silly comparison that was quoted in the Tribune article. There is definitely a fiscally conservative mood in the committee, however, due mostly to the efforts of Crystal Lake Republican Cal Skinner, who congratulated La Tourette on his measures to try to get our students to graduate in four years and on the fact that NIU makes students pay at least half the cost of their education. He compared students who stay for more than four years to welfare recipients who need to be gotten off the dole. He is very concerned that higher education costs are growing faster than inflation and he wants the presidents to run their schools more like businesses. It was fascinating to see the source of many of La Tourette's own initiatives and priorities.
Instructors take note.
Since I had a front row seat for 3 hours of testimony, I'd be happy to report to anyone who is interested what went on in these public hearings.