Universities in Ohio are uniting to lobby against a proposed budget amendment from state Republicans that would allow non-resident students to pay in-state tuition if they register to vote.
Ohio University is working with the Inter-University Council of Ohio, a coalition of public universities, to remove the amendment from House Bill 59, said Eric Burchard OU’s director of government relations.
OU is set to lose an estimated $12 million per year if the provision passes — an amount that is a little below average compared to other state universities’ projections.
Ohio State University estimates a $114.8 million loss per year, Bowling Green State University projects a loss of $22 million per year and Miami University estimates a $78.3 million loss per year.
“It’s clearly a detriment to our budget and our operating system,” said Claire Wagner, director of Miami University’s News and Public Information Office. “I know that conversations are helping with legislators and with Board of Regents to help everyone get background.”
OSU administrators say they are concerned about the financial loss they might incur, but they are unsure of the impact the amendment would have on voter turnout.
“The IUC Government Relations committee is fully engaged on the issue,” Burchard said.
OU is relying on the IUC to fight against the bill, said Ann Fidler, chief of staff for the provost and chief financial planner.
“Based on all of the feedback we are receiving, the higher-education community believes that the provision will be reconsidered in the senate,” Burchard said.
City officials in college towns have also begun reacting to the provision. Last week, Akron City Council members passed a resolution condemning the amendment. Athens City Council members could not be reached for comment.
dk123111@ohiou.edu
