A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION, Supporting the value of public higher education in South Dakota and encouraging continued efforts to ensure that higher education remains affordable for all South Dakotans.

WHEREAS, the first Dakota Territorial Legislature in 1862 recognized the importance of higher education for the pioneer families that were settling in the new territory and by means of Chapter 88 of the 1862 Session Laws began the process of establishing a statewide system of higher education institutions to allow their sons and daughters to obtain education and make better lives for themselves; and

WHEREAS, it continues to be true that a higher education is one of the best routes for South Dakotans and their families to advance; and that a well-trained and educated workforce is critical to the future of South Dakota's economy; and

WHEREAS, a growing share of South Dakota's workforce is requiring some form of post-secondary credential; and

WHEREAS, South Dakota public universities generate approximately $2.66 billion of annual economic impact to South Dakota from a state investment of just over $220 million; and

WHEREAS, annual sales and property tax revenues attributed to the economic activity generated by the public university system exceed $160 million; and

WHEREAS, affordability remains a significant barrier to post-secondary educational attainment; and

WHEREAS, the cost of higher education in South Dakota is increasingly shifting. In 2007, general fund support covered 55% of the cost of a student's education, with the student covering 45%, but by 2020, general fund support accounts for only 47% of the cost, and the student is required to cover 53%; and

WHEREAS, when considering the total cost of attendance and the average grant aid available to students, South Dakota is falling behind other states in affordability of public higher education:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Senate of the Ninety-Sixth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the South Dakota Legislature supports and values public higher education and supports efforts to provide a sustainable framework for affordable public higher education in South Dakota for generations to come.