State Support for Colleges

Cutting back support for higher education is one of the most shortsighted moves a politician can make. In response to decreasing state revenues, Gov. Pete Wilson’s finance director, Thomas Hayes, remarked, “When people don’t work, they don’t pay taxes” (“Wilson Unveils Harsh Budget, Bases Plan on More U.S. Funds,” Jan. 9). What is also true, Mr. Hayes, is that people with low-paying jobs pay less taxes than those with higher incomes. Wilson’s cutbacks in higher education will only relegate many talented young persons to such low-paying jobs. And, because of this, California is sure to face many more years of low revenues.

To truly prop up the tax base, money needs to be invested in higher education so that a greater number of students can graduate from college to become taxpaying citizens. Furthermore, these same college graduates will create jobs since they will be the entrepreneurs and employers of the future. Every dollar invested in education now will be paid back many times in terms of the benefits to the economy down the road.

ARMAN AFAGH

Fountain Valley