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Re: “Higher ed shouldn’t be Denver’s responsibility,” Sept. 11 guest commentary.
Having read Denver City Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman’s critique of the College Matters proposal, I am perplexed by her concerns about it.
Of course the state plays a central role in college affordability, but state funding levels have dropped 37 percent in the last 10 years, according to the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Meanwhile, our communities are threatened by the cost barriers to college that our students face today.
Denver is not alone at looking at new ways to increase college access as an economic imperative — Weld County and Pueblo County are also taking steps.
The reality is that it is in the best interests of our communities, and our local economies, to take action today, because cost barriers are shutting out our young people from accessing the education they need to compete in our economy.
Jim Chavez, Highlands Ranch
This letter was published in the Sept. 17 edition.
