In personal communications, Johnson State College President Barbara Murphy wrote some thoughts on the hard decision to raise tuition:

“It is hard to take pleasure in voting an increase in tuition for students, or to claim an increase as a victory.  That said, I think the Board made a decision that reflected what one trustee said about needing more time to plan thoughtfully for the effects of a freeze in tuition.

In a state that has steadily dis-invested in public higher education since the 1980’s—we have moved to an unfortunate over-reliance on tuition income.

We have increased our college-awarded aid to students over the last several years.  My hope is that we will continue to do so easing the way for students’ access and persistence.”