senate task force: public higher ed needs $400 million

the full report is here. a story from the berkshire eagle can be read here.

among the recommendations, summarized by the berkshire eagle:

• $400 million in spending over five to seven years to compensate for budget cuts.

• $3 billion in borrowing to fund capital projects over 10 years, including $1.7 million [this should say "billion" - US] for the five-campus University of Massachusetts and $1.2 billion for state and community colleges.

• $150 million to fund new UMass laboratories, equipment and facilities to enhance research and development.

• $24 million in new funding for financial aid.

• $20 million to endow UMass science and technology professorships.

• $1 million in work-force training funds to expand high-demand programs such as nursing.