Delegate David Toscano spoke at a University Democrats meeting last night, where he highlighted key issues central to the General Assembly's agenda.
Among these issues was the importance of improving higher education quality and affordability.
"In Virginia, over the last 20 years, we have been systematically investing in higher education. This year we passed a bill that would increase enrollments across the commonwealths to grow enrollments by degrees," he said, referring to the "Top Jobs" bill to increase the University's enrollment by 980 over the next four years. "We were able to provide some more money for k-12 and more for higher education."
Toscano's presentation cited $100.7 million of funding for higher education, in which $705,000 go towards the creation of 84 new in-state slots at the University.
He pointed out that "this year for the first time, tuition jumped ahead of state support," and displayed a graph showing that in 2010, tuition for in-state full-time equivalent students was $8,780 while educational and general appropriations stood at $8,470.
Virginia ranks 40th in per pupil higher education spending, which Toscano said relates to declines in spending over the past five years.
In light of these decreased funds, he encouraged support for community college to help young students who are not able to afford four-year colleges, as well as adults who have lost their jobs due to the recession.
In two weeks the General Assembly will return to Richmond to work on redistricting, Toscano said. It will also make sure to continue working on issues such as transportation, healthcare, and tax issues.
"I would say his work in the General Assembly is very encouraging," said University Democrats President and third-year College student Rex Young. "He's really working on issues that are very important to students. He's dedicated to not cut education funding not only for K-12 funding but also for the University of Virginia... things like education are long-term investments to help the economy"
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