FUNDING FOCUS SHOULD BE ON EDUCATION, NOT CRIME

As a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I was
distressed to read about the huge tuition increases ("Higher tuition raises
fears," Oct. 6). These increases are a direct result of a change in state
budgeting priorities. Money is being shifted out of education and into the
state prison system.

In addition to the tuition increases, we have seen and will continue to see
more reliance on out-of-state tuition dollars. Since those students
generate more revenue through higher tuition, they have been and will be
given more seats at our universities. This makes it more difficult for our
own bright youngsters to attend the best schools in Wisconsin so that more
of their less fortunate brethren of the same age can be locked up,
generally for non-violent drug offenses.

Case in point: the mandatory sentencing guidelines Wisconsin recently
enacted. I think parents, students and anyone else who values education
should consider this next time they hear a politician getting tough on
education - I mean crime.

Nicholas Pruhs
Wauwatosa