The Tuition Equalization Grant has provided tuition assistance to Georgia students attending the state’s private colleges since the mid-1970s. Eliminating it would be a blow to families with college students, a $29 million hit for them and their families. But it also will hurt average Georgia taxpayers, even if they don’t have sons or daughters in a private college.
First, the $1,000 TEG for deserving Georgia students attending a private college actually saves the state $6,000. That’s because it costs $7,000 in state subsidies for every student in the University System. And that’s not counting the extra tax dollars that would have to be paid for facilities and teachers if the University System, already buckling under enrollment increases, has to absorb large numbers of students from private colleges their families can no longer afford.
The state’s system of higher education is already under stress; this could only make things worse. Besides, any fiscal conservative knows that if you can spend $1 to save $6, it’s a smart deal.
But there are other things to think about for those who want to do away with the TEG. If passed, it would lead to painful budget cuts at private colleges, halting work projects that employ private businesses and laying off college employees. The resulting increase in the unemployment rate and decline in state revenues is the last thing a state with Georgia’s budget problems needs.
It’s also worth considering that slashing the Tuition Equalization Grant also would narrow education choices for Georgia’s families. Many of our private colleges are affiliated with religions: the Baptist Church, the Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, the Presbyterian Church, etc. Having TEG allows students and parents to make their choice of college, rather than have the decision forced upon them due to economic circumstances.
And just because it is a “private” school, don’t think that the kids are zipping around in expensive sports cars with a “Daddy Warbucks” spending budget. Most of the students I see are working hard at jobs to make ends meet. Others are helping to support their families or caring for family members. Some are nontraditional students - parents themselves who have young children to support as they attempt to better themselves through education after a long day on the job. And many of them have parents who are making real sacrifices to send them to a college that reflects their family’s values.
I know that Gov. Perdue is facing a tough budget situation. But I think the governor simply didn’t realize how getting rid of TEG could cost the state so much money and have so many negative consequences for Georgia’s private colleges, acting as a stumbling block for anyone who wants a religion-friendly education.
If you agree with me, contact Gov. Perdue and our Georgia Assembly lawmakers (Randy Nix, Carl Von Epps, Kip Smith, Seth Harp and Mitch Seabaugh). You can find their emails, addresses and phone numbers here: http:// www.legis.state.ga.us/.
And let Gov. Perdue know how you feel about the education cuts here: http://gov.georgia.gov/00/ gov/contact_us/0,2657,78006749_94820188,00.html#
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