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Bailey urges legislators to invest in education

Feb. 24, 2006

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University President Judith I. Bailey testified today before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education, which held it's hearing on the WMU campus to hear testimony from four Michigan university presidents.

Bailey was the first speaker of the day and urged the panel to make investing in education the legislature's top priority. She described WMU's impact on the local community, state and nation, and warned the lack of investment in higher education would jeopardize the prosperity of the state for coming generations.

"We are probably at the most crucial turning point in this state's history," Bailey told the panel. "We know this at Western, and we have taken a leadership role in effecting change in the economic development for our region."

Others testifying at the hearing were University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, Grand Valley State University President Mark Murray and Ferris State University President David L. Eisler.

The complete text of Bailey's testimony, as well as her written responses to questions posed by the panel in advance of the hearing are available at www.wmich.edu/president.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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