Higher Education Partnership Volume 2 Issue 10 Feb/Mar 1998 In support of and working together with Alabama A & M Univ Alabama State Univ Univ of Alabama Univ of Ala at Bham Univ of Ala at Huntsville Auburn Univ Auburn Univ at Mtgy Jacksonville State Univ Univ.of Montevallo Univ of North Alabama Univ of South Alabama Troy State Univ Troy State Univ Dothan Troy State Univ Mtgy Univ of West Alabama  Inside this Issue A Long Way in a Year February/March Activities Call to Action Higher Education Partnership Restructures Board Surprise Guests	Partnership Update Surprise Guests
	At the Higher Education Day Rally on March 5 in the Archives Room of the Alabama Capitol, a group of over 500 members and friends of the Higher Education Partnership were enthusiastically calling for the legislature to properly fund our universities, when two unexpected guests asked to bring greet-ings. Governor Fob James and Lieutenant Governor Don Siegelman made surprise appearances at the rally. Utilizing the theme - “Top Ten in Sports, Why not Funding?”, the rally was designed to remind Alabama politicians that the universities are serious about “Taking a Stand”. The enthusiasm emanating from the crowd made it obvious that the participants were tired of universities being mistreated and being left with the crumbs from the education budget. Knowing the environment was very pro-higher education, both the governor and the lieutenant governor asked to address the audience.      The governor spoke first. He delivered a strong statement calling for no new taxes. He challenged the faculty, staff, students and alumni to realize there were limited funds available for univer-sities. Further, he congratulated his administration for creating efficiencies by cutting university funding. After an over twenty minute speech, described by one reporter as a lecture, the governor was applauded politely. Many attendees commented that the governor’s remarks held true to his position of the past three years.	The lieutenant governor’s comments were much different from that of the governor. He gave a talk from his gubernatorial campaign platform. He called for a lottery to increase educational funding. His proposed lottery bill would restrict the diversion of current dollars from the education budget. In addition, he called for the establishment of a scholarship program for high school students graduating with a “B average or better.” He, also, spoke for nearly twenty minutes. The lieutenant governor was greeted with enthusiasm as he called for additional funding for education.      University supporters know the poor track record of the James administration. During this year, when there is $178 million of new revenue, the question is “How will the Siegelman team react?” Will they insist on the universities receiving an additional $10 million funding increase above the $38 million received in the House?      During this election year, you will have the chance to sort through many campaign speeches. As you listen, remember the past three years. Keep in mind that to avoid another four years of funding cuts, we must have politicians who will be our champions. If you have a chance to speak to any of the candidates, ask them the hard question, “Will you support returning education funding to the 33% (higher education) and 67% (K-12) split?” Let us know what they say. It is important that the Partnership keep all members informed of where our state’s political leaders stand on this very important issue.
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