Gov. Brad Henry vetoed that proposal, however, saying it made a major policy change without enough review and discussion.
Responding to a request for comment from The Associated Press on the latest tuition increase, Henry said:
"Tuition hikes can pose a tremendous challenge for students and parents, but fortunately we were able to provide funding for higher education this year so as to forestall even larger tuition increases. I am always very concerned about maintaining access to an affordable higher education and the delicate balance between affordability and quality.
"It' worth remembering that the costs of a college education in Oklahoma remain among the most affordable in the region and nation, and I expect that will not change."
He said legislative action providing a permanent funding source for a college scholarship program "means Oklahoma will pick up the tuition costs for thousands of qualifying students."
--Associated Press
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
