Panel approves measure forcing non-athletes, average college students to pay $2,000 (Extra)
From MSNBC:
“Students at Arizona’s three state universities will have to pay — or borrow — at least $2,000 a year to get an education under terms of legislation approved by a House panel today.
Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, said students should have some “skin in the game.” He said students will take their schooling more seriously and be less likely to drop out if they have made an investment.
“I really believe that when something is given to you, you don’t have the appreciation of having put in some work,” agreed Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction.
He said $2,000 out of $9,000 annual tuition is not that big a deal. Even with books and fees, Kavanagh said that adds only another $1,500 a year.
Kavanagh said that would leave students with $14,000 debt after four years, “less than the cost of a Chevy Sonic.”
“And I personally believe that degrees from our universities are worth far more than Chevy Sonics,” he said. Anyway, Kavanagh said that is a small amount, as college grads earn anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million more over their lifetimes than those who do not have a higher education.
The vote came despite objections from students who said there are expenses beyond tuition. Room and board aside, they said they are forced to pay for gasoline, insurance and parking.
“Welcome to life,” Rep. Michelle Ugenti, R-Scottsdale, told the students.
“I don’t understand why that should affect a modest $2,000 for your education,” Ugenti continued. “We all are thrust into circumstances and unpredictable life experiences.” […]
Is there a Republican in office anywhere in the United States in the year 2012 who is not an absolute jerk? These people just ooze with contempt. If you’d like to make your voice heard on this issue, you may do so here:
http://www.change.org/petitions/the-arizona-panel-dont-add-2000-more-to-tuition-at-az-universities
It’s a petition started by Tumblr member dobbaaa.
Even if you don’t live in AZ, please sign. Things that suck sometimes start in one state & spread to another. The Republicans test-drive these horrible ideas in one state to see if they can get away with it.
Please sign. Thank You.
