Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Pittsburgh colleges throw book at mayor's tuition tax
Post Gazette: "The tuition tax that Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl sees as the city's ticket out of financial distress drew mixed reviews from council members, yelps from students and parents and harsh words from some of the biggest targeted schools yesterday."
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6 comments:
I think that this is not the right solution to a problem that they are having with funding in the government going to the college students that all ready paying the government a ton of money as it is. They are the people that are going to help you solve the problems that are in the world so why do you wont to put more stress on them when they are all ready in a stressful place with school. So I think that this idea should not be passed and that he should go to somewhere else for the money that he needs.
As College students many of us are technically residents of different state and not of the one we go to school in. Most people or their parents are already paying taxes in their home state and now many have to pay more of them for the ability to go to College in Pittsburgh. $400.00 may not be a lot to some folks but to others it could mean choosing to go somewhere else to school. With times as hard as they have been I understand why the City needs the money but I don't think taxing students is the way to get it.
As much of a burden as an extra 1% is on the students and the higher education groups, I think that Ravenstahl brings up an extremely important point:
"'I would ask those parents to look at the bills that they're currently paying, and ask those institutions where the fees are going for security, safety, transportation, orientation, initiation,' he said, implying schools should roll back those 'questionable' fees."
While I disagree with his placing blame on university's distribution of funds, he is saying to the people who are upset that your tuition is high anyway maybe it's time to look into that problem under your nose.
The mayor is making a clear point that as students we are also residents using the public services offered by the city. However, what does it say about the city of Pittsburgh if they become the first city to tax students? It may help the city with it's budget next year but is it worth the tarnish of their reputation? Every college book or article to come out would say "Unfortunately, it is located in the only city that taxes students." Therefore, not only would it possibly decrease the interest of students in Pittsburgh but it is also an embaressment as a city that they have resorted to taxing students becuase they cannot handle their own finances in a better fashion. It's publicaly admitting, "We are in trouble and cannot handle it."
i think that students are having enough issues paying college tuition. students are already paying a ton of money to get a good education. My parents almost didn't let me come here because it was so expensive. students are having a hard time finding aid as well. i know kids that are paying for their education without help from their parents. i cannot imagine having to pay by myself.
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