Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, and Rep. Verla Insko, both Democrats from Orange County, met with students Tuesday to discuss the recent funding challenges faced by universities and opportunities for students to become engaged in the political process.
Kinnaird said the purpose of the event was to talk with a small group of students about how they could advocate for the University. Both local legislators outlined issues concerning funding for universities, including opposition to tax increases.
The Republican majority in the N.C. General Assembly has said it will not reinstate three-quarters of a one-cent sales tax hike, a proposal supported by Gov. Bev Perdue to restore some education funding.
“The Republicans have committed to not raising taxes,” Kinnaird said.
While all state sectors are increasing their efficiency, much of the money has moved to Medicare and other competing programs, she said.
As a result, the education sector has lost a lot of support, she said. The UNC system has absorbed more than $1 billion in state funding cuts during the last five years.
The system has also lost three huge “champions” of funding for universities in the N.C. Senate, she said. Former Democratic Sens. Marc Basnight and Tony Rand retired in recent years, and Sen. Richard Stevens, R-Wake, recently announced that he would not seek re-election.
“The support is shifting,” Kinnaird said.
Universities’ multitude of funding sources — including tuition and research grants — have many legislators questioning their need for more substantial state funding, she said.
