Columbus, OH - The Buckeye Institute has released a new policy memo advocating for a strategic shift in higher education capital budget spending to prioritize the development of a 21st-century workforce. Greg R. Lawson, a research fellow at The Buckeye Institute, emphasized the importance of directing funds towards essential educational infrastructure in public universities.
Lawson's recommendations are clear: capital budget requests should be allocated solely for buildings necessary for student education, including construction, maintenance, demolition, and repurposing. He specifically highlighted the need to reject funding requests for non-educational facilities such as administrative, community, entertainment, or sports buildings.
With concerns about student debt, tuition costs, and enrollment challenges, Lawson stressed the significance of aligning capital budget spending with Ohio's long-term higher education reforms and job-training initiatives. He urged legislators to consider the impact of funding decisions on taxpayers and graduates, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing education that prepares students for the demands of a technologically advanced economy.
Lawson's memo underscored the need for a systematic review of capital budget requests to ensure that investments support the development of skills required for the modern workforce. He recommended a focus on facilities like research laboratories, computer science centers, and health-training facilities to equip students with relevant skills for the evolving job market.
In conclusion, The Buckeye Institute's stance is clear: capital budget requests for public colleges and universities should be channeled towards educational infrastructure that aligns with the needs of the 21st century workforce. By redirecting resources away from non-essential projects, Ohio can better serve its taxpayers and ensure that higher education funding contributes to students' future success.