The New Hampshire legislature has proposed a 30% budget cut to the University System of New Hampshire (USNH). Gov. Kelly Ayotte proposed an 8% budget cut previously. The Equinox believes that making such cuts would be detrimental to the state, as higher education prepares future generations.
The state continues to show its lack of support for higher education and public education by proposing legislation that provides fewer opportunities for students. Our government should be proud of higher education and advertise that. Many of our elected officials have had the privilege of receiving a higher education; why should the citizens of N.H. not be offered that same opportunity?
Drastic cuts to education will damage both current and future students. It will have long-term negative consequences for the education system of N.H. It is those students who will become the future leaders of America; without them and us, we struggle to see a brighter future for our beloved Granite State.
The Equinox feels our legislators should prioritize public education because having a well-educated population is critical for progress. It is clear our state government does not want to progress and instead would rather spend its money on those who already have it.
With President Donald Trump working to dismantle the Department of Education, N.H. should be heavily concerned for its university system. The lack of support and overall care shown by our government is disheartening. If we continue to fall down this rabbit hole, USNH may eventually cease to exist due to lack of funding. Our tuition would skyrocket in order to combat the budget cuts and students are already struggling to afford higher ed. The lack of resources can only be solved with more funding. The state is hoping to take away a large portion of that funding, making it impossible for Keene State and the other USNH schools to find a solution without hurting students and staff.
The state has shown support for our community colleges with Gov. Ayotte’s proposed budget increase to the community college system. Those students attending community colleges often plan to attend university afterward. If we support community colleges but disregard USNH, those students planning to achieve a bachelor’s degree will have nowhere to continue their education, especially in-state students. The state must support all education, not just privately funded institutions and community colleges.
Higher education holds major value in every state, including N.H. Our government lacks an understanding of the need for higher ed. It is hard to understand how those who had the privilege of getting a higher education cannot see the value it holds. Those who are supposed to pave the way for future students are running us off the road.
If a 30 percent budget cut is made, the only direction New Hampshire will go is down. The Equinox firmly believes our government has an obligation to change the course of action and propose legislation that uplifts higher education instead of tearing it to shreds.
