2009.10.05
The economic benefits of higher education
The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia today released a detailed analysis of what higher education does for the Virginia economy. For example, every $1 the state invests in higher education yields $1.39 in state revenue and $13.31 in Virginia gross domestic product.
We're writing an editorial for Tuesday in which we will run down some of the benefits and urge state leaders to take this information seriously when they return to Richmond. Everyone knows that transportation is underfunded, but the underfunding of higher education in recent years is equally tragic and misguided for the commonwealth's economic future.
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I would nor presume that every $1 the state invests in higher edcucation yields $13.31 in Virginia domestic gross product.
Some VDGP is created by non higher educational workers.
I woudl hardly call the Weldon center for public service objective either.
Comment by Bob H — October 5, 2009 @ 11:01 am
@Bob #1, No one is asking you to presume anything, Bob. How about you take a look at the research. I know it's easier to dismiss anything the RT writes out of hand, but you might learn something.
Comment by C. Trejbal — October 5, 2009 @ 11:09 am
Yep Bob H. A state university 'study' financed by taxpayers concludes state universities should get even more taxpayer money. Nah, no conflict of interest there. Only private-sector researchers are motivated by money.
Comment by Suzie — October 5, 2009 @ 11:18 am
Christian,
I don't dismiss anything the RTEB writes out of hand. I merely point out that you often cite research and statistics that reinforce the pervasive view (which is often LIBERAL). Also the methods you use as in the above where the implication of cause and effect is there but not stated outright. By citing the statistic the implication is that the 2 are related, which is not necessarily true.
CT, I have learned alot in my almost 54 years on the planet. One of which is to be wary of people supplying you with "information" who also have a vested interest in how you interpret that "information" (which in this case, as a Virginia taxpayer, I do have a vested interest).
But, again, I love the implication that I might "learn something". The implication is that I "know nothing". If you had intended it differently than that it would have said "learn seomthing more" or "learn something new" or something like that. That's really slick. And, pretty transparent.
Why not just call me an idiot like you did Norm Coleman? I really prefer a more direct approach...
Comment by Bob H — October 5, 2009 @ 11:49 am
I don't think you're an idiot, Bob, though you do seem to read a lot into words that aren't even there.
Comment by C. Trejbal — October 5, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
Christian:
I hope you can understand why one might be skeptical about a research center's study which underscores the importance of the flow of taxpayer dollars to the parent organization of research centers.
If we accept this without question, shouldn't we do the same for global warming studies commissioned by big oil? Healthcare studies published by AHIP? What about cases against financial controls written by BoA and Citi?
Comment by Mike — October 5, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
Like I say CT. You guys can be really clever about how you word your insults. Or are you going to try and tell me that the statement "you might learn something" was intended to be complimentary?
I got the message. If you have been schooled in journalism (which I presume you have) then you know that words do indeed mean something and how they are used and the order in which they are used can mean even more.
I am not a thin skinned conservative. I get that sort of thing now and then from the other side. It almost to be expected when the substance of what was communicated cannot be (apparently) addressed.
And while you may say the words "aren't there" you didn't say the implication I mentioned was incorrect. Only that you don't think I am an idiot (that was my suggestion about a more direct approach).
Comment by Bob H — October 5, 2009 @ 12:41 pm
@Mike #6, Again, I'm not asking anyone to accept this without question. Take a look at the report and see if you find it convincing. If not, share your reasons. The Weldon Cooper Center has earned a reputation for fair, careful research.
Comment by C. Trejbal — October 5, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
The Weldon Cooper Center has earned a reputation for fair, careful research.
As recognized by whom? Tim Kaine? UVa? Democrats? The RTEB?
I wonder if the WCC is as unbiased as, say, UVa's Center for Politics with its infamous Larry Sabato (the man who forecasted Democratic presidential landslides in 2000 and 2004)
Comment by Suzie — October 6, 2009 @ 9:16 am