By Victoria Cruz
News Writer
On Feb. 17, students came together to write to their state legislators to protect higher education by fighting for a fair slice of state funding. The event was a response to Ned Lamont’s most recent budget proposal that puts higher education funding at risk.
Ned Lamont’s recent budget proposal under cuts funding for the Finish Line Scholarship. This scholarship enables students from community colleges to transfer to four-year state institutions with little to no extra cost.
“If it were not for extra scholarships, I would not be here. I think it is important to make sure your voice is heard. Even if it is a bunch of small voices, they all come together to make a lot of noise,” biology major Amelia Casman, a sophomore, said.
Last year, students partnered with the Connecticut State University American Association of University Professors to fight for a debt-free college completion program as an extension of Pledge to Advance Connecticut.
The Connecticut General Assembly passes budgets on odd years for the next two fiscal years, alongside a two-year bond package.
Before budgets are approved, committees will go through the budget proposal considering cases made at public hearings and by agency heads.
When negotiations are complete, and if the budget is passed, then adjustments cannot be made for another year.
Many current university students started their journey at state community colleges.
The Finish Line Scholarship bridges the financial gap for students to complete their bachelor’s degree at CSCU schools.
Lamont’s new budget proposal undercuts funding for these higher education programs, which allows students to transfer and graduate with a bachelor’s degree tuition free.
Many university students rely on funding to continue their education.
These educational opportunities create pathways for all students to access higher education.
The goal of the event was to uplift student voices and educate the university community on the importance of civic engagement.
“I came because I struggle a lot financially; if I had access to something like this, I would not be struggling as much as I am. It would give me a lot more freedom to continue my education. Everyone deserves a chance to further their education and better their lives,” exercise science major Heather Gaudet, a senior, said.
A highly educated populous has positive economic repercussions for the state by creating opportunities to fill workforce gaps.
Connecticut is ranked as one of the highest states in education quality but often ranks the lowest when comparing affordability.
Sociology major Susan Garlington, a senior, said that as she plans to attend graduate school, continued funding is critical to helping her complete her education.
She emphasized that education should not depend on finances.
“Education should be a fundamental right, and everyone has the right to education,” Garlington said. T
he university community rallied together to share their stories about how budgets like these impact real people, emphasizing the importance of higher education to those charged with protecting student interests at the state level.
University students are the leaders of tomorrow, and their education quality, accessibility and affordability are at risk.
