For the first time in a long time the Governor has proposed something very substantive for our three state universities. His proposal for a tax recapture program for research infrastructure at our universities will speed up (and we are behind) their ability for research competitiveness.

Our universities will produce graduates that can compete in the marketplace and bring a new recognition to Arizona’s universities based on knowledge and discovery.

Every year we hear talk and proposals regarding education spending but it is almost always directed towards K-12 education. Of course, if we are to have qualified college students we have to have great early education, but often over-looked is the need for our state universities to be upgraded and expanded to compete in the new STEM fields.

The proposed budget will go a long way in providing our universities with that ability. Now, let’s hope the legislature passes this budget. We’ll all be better off for it.