Although higher education issues are not dominating the midterm election agenda, there are a number of significant proposals that would affect colleges and universities in certain states, Inside Higher Ed reported.
North Dakota voters will consider a Republican-sponsored measure to change the composition of the board that oversees the state's university system. Supporters of the bill argue that it will modernize the system and improve efficiency. But some higher education observers fear the proposal would reduce transparency.
In Oregon, where state support for higher education is low and tuition and fees are high, a Democratic measure seeks to create a state endowment for financial aid. Measure 86, the Oregon Opportunity Initiative, would require the state to establish the fund and would allow the state to take on debt through the sale of bonds to fund the account.
Georgia legislators on both sides of the aisle support are hoping that voters support a plan to privatize dorms within the state's university system – a move they say will benefit students by modernizing the dorms and save taxpayers money by outsourcing the management of residence halls. The project hinges on the creation of a tax exemption on the ballot in November.
Voters in five states – Alaska, Arkansas, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota – will consider measures that would raise the minimum wage in their state, after a handful of states approved similar legislation last year. Some higher education officials fear that the proposed laws would drive up college budgets and affect their ability to employ student workers.
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Inside Higher Ed
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/10/10/higher-education-ballot