Idaho has cut its state funding for public colleges and universities by 36.8 percent since 2008, according to a new report from Idaho KidsCount and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, more than all but five other states. The report showed that, adjusted for inflation and in constant 2013 dollars, Idaho cut funding by 36.8 percent, a decrease of $3,857 per higher ed student. Meanwhile, average tuition at Idaho’s public four-year colleges increased 28.5 percent. “Areas with highly educated residents tend to attract employers who pay competitive wages. That’s what Idaho needs,” said Lauren Necochea, director of Idaho KidsCount. “We should be looking for ways to make college more affordable for students and their families”/Betsy Russell, Eye on Boise. More here.

Question: Does Idaho do anything -- anything! -- right when it comes to higher education? Are Idaho executive and legislative candidates even talking about this issue?