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TUESDAY December 16, 2003 - Subscribe - Contact Us Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels December 13, 2003 Governor knows the value of higher education Higher education funding has surfaced as a top priority in Gov. Ted Kulongoski's scheme of things. Eastern Oregon University and the other institutions in the Oregon University System can take heart that Oregon's top leader sees the value of investing more in post-secondary education. Kulongoski told a group of business and political leaders at an Oregon business summit earlier this month that funding must increase for higher education if Oregon hopes to be part of the "knowledge economy of the future." Earlier this fall, the governor signaled his intention to strengthen Oregon's universities when he shook up the State Board of Higher Education by replacing some members and naming former Gov. Neil Goldschmidt as its chairman. Kulongoski noted at the summit that funding was decreased for higher education in the 1990s, a period when Oregon's economy was booming. Arguing that the state's colleges and universities are the "one clear engine for future economic growth," the governor proclaimed, "this disinvestment must change." Kulongoski, a Democrat, is not alone in seeing the link between strong universities and economic growth. Oregon's other government leaders from both sides of the political spectrum, including U.S. Sen Ron Wyden, a Democrat, U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, a Republican, and House Speaker Karen Minnis, R-Wood Village, have signed on to the plan to strengthen Oregon. It's good to have Kulongoski step up to bat for higher education at a time when Eastern Oregon University is poised for growth. Armed with its new $33.5 million science center and the potential for increased research and job creation, Eastern is looking for continued enrollment growth. It's in the planning stages for new dormitories and the possible replacement of Pierce Library. As these projects look for support in coming years, Eastern will benefit from the strong commitment Oregon's governor and other political and business leaders are making to higher education. - The (La Grande) Observer DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Road Cams