State must improve college graduation rates
STARKVILLE — Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said the state’s economic future hinges on making college more affordable.
“In the long term, if core inflation is at 2 or 3 percent, our universities can’t be at 7 percent each year,” Reeves said Tuesday at Mississippi State University. “Tuition is something I’ve talked about for eight years (as state treasurer). No one knows better than I do what increases have meant for the accessibility for many families across our state.”
During his campaign for lieutenant governor, he listed job creation as his top priority. It wasn’t a surprise, given dire economic times in the state and across the country.
Underneath the hot topic of jobs and industry is the linchpin to economic growth: education. Reeves, who easily defeated Reform Party candidate Tracella Lou O’Hara Hill in November, said despite increased enrollment at junior colleges and four-year universities, college-level education isn’t as attainable as it needs to be for Mississippians.
Commercial Dispatch
11/30/11
Magnolia Tribune
