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Deeds, McDonnell talk education Date published: 10/2/2009
BY CHELYEN DAVIS RICHMOND-- Virginia's two candidates for governor promised to lower college tuition costs, help more Virginians get college degrees and make higher education a top priority if they're elected.Democrat Creigh Deeds and Republican Bob McDonnell spoke separately to the Virginia Summit on Economic Competitiveness and Higher Education, held in Richmond yesterday. Both men also spoke of the connection between education and economic development, saying that Virginia can't compete for jobs and businesses in a global economy if its education levels don't match or surpass those of other states or countries. Deeds, who went first, reiterated a higher-education plan he unveiled earlier in the campaign, one that focuses on making education more affordable for students. He proposes forgiving loans for those who go into service-oriented industries like emergency services and teaching; giving a 50 percent discount on tuition to state colleges for Virginia students with a B average or better who commit to two years of community service; guaranteeing loans for community college students; putting $40 million more toward need-based tuition assistance; and putting more focus on career training. "College affordability is key to my education plan," Deeds said. "Every dollar invested in a student's future is an investment in Virginia's future." He said he also wants Virginia to develop something like North Carolina's Research Triangle, but one that is focused on new energy technologies. Deeds acknowledged that the trend in state education funding, especially with recession-driven state budget cuts recently, has been to cut funds, not invest them. He said that's shortsighted, and that the state needs sustained investment in education, not cuts. "Cuts to education are like eating your seed corn," Deeds said. McDonnell's higher education plans also involve making access to college more affordable and reducing tuition increases, as well as focusing investment on science fields to keep pace with other states and countries. He described making college more affordable as "expanding access to our cherished American dream," and said a well-educated populace helps draw new jobs, making education critical to the state's future. McDonnell said colleges must work to be more efficient and frugal, to help win state dollars, and likened tuition hikes to tax increases. He said that as the economy begins to turn around, he hopes to push the state toward reinvesting in higher education. "If we don't pay now, we will certainly pay later," McDonnell said.
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