Governor Wishes For More Time On Higher Ed

Governor Phil Bredesen says if he could have a third term as governor, he’d focus on higher education.

Others at last night’s state of the state address agreed that focus will be key in the face of budget cuts that could reach 25 percent.

Hundreds of students assembled outside the capitol protesting proposed budget cuts to higher education. Many dressed in black, and some carried coffins. Gionni Carr is a student representative to the Tennessee Board of Regents. He says the protest wanted to send a

message:

“If you continue to cut higher education, then you’re killing higher education in the state of Tennessee – which is symbolized by the funeral, the caskets, the all black; the casualties are not being tallied and they’re not being thought about.”

Hendersonville Republican Debra Maggert’s district includes Vol State Community College. She says she’s glad to hear the governor talking about higher ed.

“I’ve always wondered why higher ed always got the short end of the stick here at the legislature. I was delighted to hear him talking about working with the Board of Regents and the Higher Education Commission on that.”

Bredesen called upon academic leaders to help find ways to keep education affordable while raising graduation rates.