opinion

Arizona No. 1 in ed survey. Why is America laughing?

I'm convinced that there is a consortium of national organizations, think tanks, researchers, political and social scientists who, in an effort to make the other 49 states feel better about themselves produce studies, polls, surveys and all manner of statistical analysis meant to reinforce this singularly hopeful message:

"Hey, at least you're not ARIZONA."

The only problem with such a moral-boosting endeavor is the we are Arizona.

And, yes, we know we have problems.

And, no. We don't need to be reminded.

Still, we now receive news that all the other states in America will get to celebrate. According to a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Arizona had the largest percentage cuts to higher education funding per student over the past eight years, and at the same time the highest percentage increase in university tuition,.

Proof, once again, that being No. 1 is not always good.

The report tells us everything Arizona residents already know. The state spends about half per year what it did on college students in 2008. And at the same time we've make it much more difficult for kids to afford higher education, owing to tuition increases.

All of this means we'll have a difficult time drawing businesses to the state who are looking for an educated local workforce (and for a good place for their employees to send their kids to school.) The negative ripple effect goes on and on.

This is absolutely not new to us.

But it makes the rest of the country feel better.

So while I am not authorized to represent my fellow Arizonans I speak for all of us when I say:

You're welcome, America. Now go ... away.







