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Governor Challenges Regents, Schools to Cut Spending

By Beacon Staff

HELENA – Gov. Brian Schweitzer continued to argue in favor of a tuition freeze during a meeting of the state Board of Regents.

He told regents Friday that state government and private businesses are cutting back spending in light of the lagging economy, and the university system needs to do the same.

Schweitzer has said he would like to use one-time federal stimulus money to freeze tuition for the next two years.

University of Montana President George Dennison says it’s unfair to compare the university system to the private sector, and noted that demand for education is even greater during tough economic times.

Dennison also says using one-time federal money for a tuition freeze is not sustainable. Schweitzer countered that in two years the economy will be back on track.

The regents will set tuition at their May meeting.