Today's editorial... Higher Education and Vocational Training Funding

Since the 1980s, some employers offered generous tuition assistance programs for their employees to obtain many types of certifications, degrees, and licenses. Employees with these designations contributed to improved public view and authority of the employers within the industry.

Since Mom did not have the money to send me to school, I was fortunate enough to receive state and federal government assistance, a loan, and employer assistance. Over the years, I received a very substantial amount of education assistance funding - about $30,000!!!

In recent years, the languishing economy has resulted in fewer educational loans being approved, harder access to government grants, and little or reduced, if any employer assistance. Also, the tuition costs have increased enormously.

Reduced funding and higher tuition have resulted in all schools cancelling many course offerings. Many classes are being overbooked, with the idea that some of the students will withdraw anyway. Fewer instructors are needed.

The US higher education system is the best in the world. It is a disturbing sign to see the system in a state of access and enrollment decay.

Education was never cheap. But, assistance made it accessible. It seems that we are returning to a time where education was not generally available to anyone who wanted it.

Education and training strengthen the nation.

On the flip side...

If goods and services are not utilized and no one is hiring the skilled people, the loan debt accumulates and the economy gets worse.

Washington offers no vision of a bright future for America.