Educational Earmarks

Progressives have rightly criticized congressional Republicans for wasting taxpayer money on pork barrel projects such as the infamous “Bridge to Nowhere.” However, attacks on government spending could have troubling implications for colleges and universities across the country. Democrats should make sure that any legislative reforms do not result in less money for higher education.

Senator Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma) has written a letter to over a hundred colleges and universities to inquire about how they received federal funds. Coburn has criticized educational institutions for employing high-powered lobbyists to secure government dollars. While the process might be corrupt, Coburn misses the real issue. The actual problem is that colleges and universities do not receive enough funding from the federal government.

Since Congress refused to fully fund higher education, it is no wonder that colleges and universities are forced to hire political professionals. Business has perfected the lobbying culture—what is wrong with educational institutions get in on the act? Unless Congress provides full funding for education, colleges and universities will be forced to abuse a sometimes corrupt process.