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Engler cuts again

Adult education too important to play with

Among Gov. John Engler's many claims, he professes to hold a strong commitment to providing Michigan residents with a world-class educational system at all levels. However, when the governor's actual education policies are scrutinized, a different Engler emerges. Since elected, he has attempted to cut funding for schools in various ways. He proposed the elimination of funding for the Native American tuition waiver program that helps Native American college students finance their education. In addition, he has proposed abysmally low allocation increases to K-12 schools in recent years. Engler has a new target to shoot his toy guns at: adult education.

Michigan traditionally has spent more per capita compared to the national average on education for those returning to pursue a high school diploma or acquire a Graduation Equivalency Degree. In his 1996-97 fiscal budget proposed before the state Legislature last week, Engler stated his intent to break this tradition by requesting a $185-million cut. The proposal calls for a drastic alteration of how money is administered. He said changes are needed to "guarantee the availability of services for all."

His proposal would do the opposite. The proposed changes would limit the number eligible for state-funded education, and leave the rest with fewer education payment alternatives.

The biggest change in the distribution of money is an age limit for those who did not finish high school prior to graduation. The governor's proposal dictates that only individuals 20 years of age or younger will be eligible for state-funded education. The over-20 crowd only will be eligible for job training or literacy tutoring on one condition -- if they already have a job. Moreover, the state might charge tuition for a late high school education or equivalent.

Engler's proposal claims "to ensure that resources are most focused on those closest to school age" through the age limit -- but he ignored some realities. Many people attempt to further their education because they need to increase their income, especially if they have families; these people are usually over 20 years old. Instead of creating a specific cut-off line, Engler should design a system that weighs need over age. As it stands, his proposal threatens to leave potential students without the finances to educate themselves -- despite the Republican doctrine of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps through education and free enterprise.

One of Engler's favorite games to keep the underprivileged uneducated is welfare reform. He urged lawmakers to yank welfare after only two years -- whether or not the recipients have jobs. Statistically, those on welfare have less education. By cutting back funding for adult education, he risks putting those in need of good jobs in a dire situation.

Engler continues to send contradictory messages. He wants to be the "education governor," but he consistently cuts back needed funding to keep Michigan schools competitive. Adult education helps Michigan's dropouts become contributors to the economy, rather than a strain.