State Spending On Higher Education Since The Recession

State spending on higher education is down 28% since the beginning of the recession.  That represents over $2,000 per student.  The cuts in spending vary considerably by state.  Arizona and New Hampshire have cut spending by more than 50%.  There is a graph which shows the percent change in spending by state.  Some of the belt tightening by states is due to recession related drops in tax revenue.  On the other hand, some states are cutting income taxes and also cutting spending on education.  There seems to be a disconnect between our need for a better educated workforce in the brave new high tech economic world,  and public funding for higher education.  I guess we can import the necessary labor from poorer countries that have increased access to higher education.