By AP
Oklahoma City, OK – Lawmaker critical of Okla. higher ed spending
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A state lawmaker says increased spending by higher education institutions at a time when other agencies are cutting back indicates the Oklahoma Legislature should address the way colleges and universities operate.
Rep. Tom Newell of Seminole told The Oklahoman he finds it shocking that higher education is raising tuition rates at a time when students are least able to afford it. Eighteen of Oklahoma's 25 colleges and universities will be spending more this fiscal year than in the previous year.
Legislators this year cut higher education's appropriation by 5.8 percent. Tuition increases are about 5 percent system-wide.
Higher Education Chancellor Glen Johnson says tuition increases were needed to offset the nearly 6 percent cut in state appropriations and to deal with higher enrollments and operating costs.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com