NJ College Presidents Criticize Higher Ed Cuts

By Angela Delli Santi
Associated Press
April 14, 2010

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Proposed state aid cuts to higher education would result in tuition increases, bigger classes and fewer scholarships, according to nine public college presidents who decried the cuts at a legislative hearing on Wednesday.

Gov. Chris Christie's proposed budget proposes cutting $173 million in aid for the fiscal year beginning July 1, on top of a midyear cut this year.

The governor has proposed sweeping cuts in school and municipal aid, as well as higher education, to close a multibillion dollar budget gap.

Even without the latest cuts, the Garden State ranked 47th among the states in higher education appropriations, according to the Association of State Colleges and Universities.

"This is a sorry story for a wealthy state like New Jersey to let its colleges and universities fall into decrepitude, with consequences for the next generation of students as well as our economy," said Rutgers University President Richard McCormick, one of the nine who testified before the Assembly Budget Committee.

McCormick said all college presidents would try to keep their campuses intact no matter the budget. But, he said, practical implications of the budget cuts include less faculty research and delays in graduation because students will have longer waits to get all the courses they need.

"As we approach the next cut, I don't believe we can leave the academic side untouched," said R. Barbara Gitenstein, president of The College of New Jersey in Ewing.

Assemblyman Joe Malone, a Burlington County Republican, said a long-term solution is needed. He said the state has consistently shorted colleges and universities even in years when a more robust economy assured there was ample money.

"We have done a horrific job supporting the higher ed community," said Malone. "You should not have to beg every year for your existence."

McCormick said New Jersey was the only state "disinvesting" in its colleges and universities before the recession hit. He said 42 states were investing in public colleges and universities at double-digit levels when the economy was strong, and seven were pumping in funding at single-digit levels.

The Assembly panel earlier reviewed the Community Affairs Department budget, which would cut $450 million in aid to municipalities.

Acting DCA Commissioner Lori Grifa said towns can keep within tight new spending caps without significantly raising property taxes or cutting services, but the head of the Assembly budget panel said he didn't see how.

Grifa said towns are being encouraged to share services and said collective bargaining and civil service reforms are in the works.

Christie has proposed a 2.5 percent annual spending cap for towns and cities. They currently operate under a 4 percent cap, but exemptions are easier to get than they would be under Christie's plan.

Budget panel Chairman Lou Greenwald said Christie's formula is flawed. He said a similar cap in Massachusetts was offset by an increase in state aid to towns. It was instituted in better economic times, he said.