Page 4 Editorial Casey should have cut deeper Oh, those tricky state lawmakers. Gov. Robert Casey clicked his heels and said the magic words last week, ruling out the threat of tax increases for the 1992-93 fiscal year. The move was meant to soften the blow of the recession and gloss over the state's shaky financial future. But then the governor explained how Pennsylvanians can afford to elude additional taxes in spite of a projected $403 million deficit by cutting back in several areas, most notably education. In all, Casey's budget plan will trim more than $329 million from the state’s education programs, including $llB million that will come from cutbacks in higher education. That means a 3.5 percent drop in funding for Penn State and other state-related universities, and the elimination of state aid for private colleges like the University of Pennsylvania. Casey should have taken more. Had he further slashed spending, even erasing state aid for all academic institutions, we - as students might finally open our eyes. Maybe we'd realize that our state is ranked 48th in education spending throughout the country. Maybe we'd understand the need for some of Penn State's inescapable tuition hikes. A few of us might even recall Casey's 1991 pledge to boost education spending by $125 million this year. At least one or two of us would reconsider the priorities of a lawmaking body that spent months bickering over this year's budget last summer, plunging the state into legislative limbo. If things got really bad, we might go out and vote for lawmakers who are determined to give higher education the support and funding it needs to produce competitive graduates. And if that didn't work, we might even take a few minutes and write to our representatives, demand’ng additional support for education. Maybe, but probably not. The Collegian Published weekly by the students of Behrend Collei Editor Todd J. Irwin Business Manager Adrienne Shrawder The Collegian’s editorial opinion is determined by the editorial staff, with the editor holding final responsibility. Opinions expressed in The Collegian are not necessarily those of The Collegian or The Pennsylvania State University. Assistant Editor Vicky Snyder Features Editor Robb Frederick News Editor Mark Owens Entertainment Editor Christi Luden Entertainment Editor Craig Campbell Assist Sports Editor Greg Geibel Assist Sports Editor Matt Cissne Copy Editor Dawn Brenneman ie, Erie, PA Ad Layout & Design Rob Pfendler Distribution Manager Joe Mycka Advisor Dr. Mike Simmons Letter Policy: The Collegian encourages letters on news coverage, editorial content and university affairs. Letters should be typewritten, double-spaced; and signed by no more than two persons. Letters should be no longer than 400 words. Letters should include the semester standing and major of the writer. All letters should provide the address and phone number of the writer for verification of the letter. The Collegian reserves the right to edit letters for length and to reject letters. Letters should be submitted to The Collegian office no later than noon on the Tuesday prior to the desired publication date. The Collegian is published every Thursday during the academic year. Postal Information: The Collegian (814 898-6488) is published weekly by the students of The Pennsylvania Stale University at Erie, The Behrend College; First Floor, The J. Elmer Reed Union Building. Station Road, Erie, Pa 16563. Opinion From The Hip Shave and a haircut, two bits Although he'd never admit it, Todd J. Irwin, editor of The Collegian, has always dreamed about growing a ponytail. Letter to the Thank you I am a nontraditional student starting my life over at an age when the things I need most are the security, support, and love of someone close to me. Being alone after being married all those years isn’t just scary, it's terrifying. Working two jobs to survive and going to school full time isn't easy, to say the least. I've been extremely fortunate so far. I’ve had the support and understanding from "Next!" Prices are increased by $.25 for adults and children haircuts as of January 1,1992. That's what the hand-written sign on the wall at my favorite barber shop reads. Thinking of the price increase as just another in a string of unwanted intrusions into my wallet, I frowned. "Next!'' Having waited my turn, I popped up from the row of chairs filled with other patrons listening to an AM radio talk show. About thirty minutes had passed since I arrived at Marion's down on East 38th Street, but that’s a short wait for a Tuesday afternoon. "What you want today?" A little off the top, and take the sides all the way down. "Sides all the way to the skin, little off the top. OK." Marion, a small, balding man wearing glasses and his usual white pullover, circled behind me, and I heard the familiar buzzing of his hair clippers dodging around my head. While Marion worked, I inhaled talcum powder, listened to old men discuss politics and the weather, and wondered how long the "Unbreakable Leopard Combs" and the Hood's Hair Darkening formula had been sitting on the shelf below the wall-length mirror. Marion finished his buzzing, and clipped away for a few seconds. Then he lathered up the back of my neck and prepared his usual finishing touch; a straight razor shave. Buzz. Clip. Lather. Shave. "OK, Junior, you ready for big date tonight." I got up and ran a hand over my scalp, appreciating Marion's attention to detail and my perfectly cut head of hair. I paid my three dollars (price increase included), and smiled as I walked out the door. "Next!” Editor administration and faculty that goes beyond reality. They are some of the finest people on the face of this earth. I've also had the support and love from many friends who calmed the fears, sat through the tears, and understood the confusion. I've come a long way in two years, and I have a long way to go both emotionally and academically, but with the help of my teachers and friends I'm going to make it. I'm writing this letter not just to say thanks to those who were Thursday, February 13, 1992 JteWwdi A.TlJltlA(c%TTnjnoH©i ; I tell ?? there for me, but because I know there are other women and men out there going through the same thing. Don’t tough it out and do it alone, you don't have to. Reach out and grab a hold of as many helping hands as you can. They're out there and they're anxious to help, especially those of us who have been there. Find us and use us, we want to help. Joyce Sterenka Sixth semester Business
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