December 19, 2011

“LET’S NOT RUSH TUITION AND FEE HIKES
FOR IN-STATE STUDENTS AT UCONN”

State Representative Zeke Zalaski (D-Southington) wants University of Connecticut officials to go slow as they consider a 5.8 percent hike in tuition and fees for in-state students.

“I understand that UConn wants to hire additional faculty, but I’m not sure the full cost of that should fall on student tuition and fee increases,” Rep. Zalaski said. “I am worried we will be shutting out middle class and low-income students with these hikes.”

Rep. Zalaski noted that according to published reports a 5.8 percent increase in tuition and fees would mean the cost for an undergraduate student with room and board would be $22,430.

“That’s a lot of money for a lot of kids,” Rep. Zalaski warned. “I know the state budget is tight, but we should consider other options like increasing the amount of money the state gives UConn for its operating budget,”

Rep. Zalaski hopes the General Assembly’s Higher Education Committee would discuss the matter with UConn’s Board of Trustees before they act to approve the increase.

“Remember, this is the same Board of Trustees which approved $4 million for a consultant’s report on how to save money at UConn, a report that could have been compiled by business graduate students at a lot less money,” Rep. Zaalski said.