COLUMBUS — State budget cuts on top of an already faltering economy are forcing colleges and universities across Ohio to turn to their students for more money, education officials told lawmakers Wednesday.

        Dr. Jeanette Brown, chairwoman of the Ohio Board of Regents, testified before the Senate Finance Committee that tuition increases mean that people who most need to go to college won't have the chance.

        To eliminate a $1.5 billion shortfall in the state budget, the committee is considering a bill that would cut spending, raise taxes and use tobacco settlement money and rainy-day funds. Higher education is one state agency being asked to make cuts.

        Dr. Brown said state colleges and universities have already tightened their belts and are out of options. “We've dug as deep as we can, and we've gotten as lean as we can in the higher education community,” she said.

        Tuition is increasing 3 percent at the University of Cincinnati for the winter quarter and another 3 percent for the spring quarter. It was the school's first midyear tuition increase in almost 20 years, and state officials say other Ohio institutions are considering similar action.

        Dr. Brown said proposed increases at some community colleges are as high as 10 percent.

        She said low professor salaries are persuading some to look for work in other states.

        Furthermore, thousands of workers who were laid off after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are now seeking retraining.

        “Re-educating our work force is one (issue) that we must address,” Dr. Brown said.

Officer won't be tried again in Owensby case
Juror tells why she held out
Feds won't prosecute officers
Mayor Luken sets new course
CAN reveals agenda for year
Port authority in mayor's plan
Votes for mayor split sharply by race
Area voter turnout of 30%-plus met expectations
Clermont agency might ask levy again
Freedom center gets $3M more
More hosts needed for talks on race
New council suits Norwood mayor
New CPS board told to begin with goals
Numbers add up quickly for UC students
Postal center in Queensgate gets random check for anthrax
Recounts possible in three townships
Stadium playoffs revenue divvied
Tristate A.M. Report
PULFER: It's a deal
Butler County bus alternatives sought
Fairfield schools look for ways to cut budget
First time is charm in Fairfield
Hamilton mayor race a surprise
Monroe school board buys land for new, single school
New faces on council plan sweep in Lebanon
Newcomers outline their goals
Proposal would end rivalry
Student's dad faces charge in gun incident at bus stop
Anti-terror bill on Deters' platform
Byrd's defense unveils surprise
New mayor, new style in Cleveland
Regents chief: Schools are squeezed enough
Tougher baggage screens costly, slow, airlines say
County candidate out of race
Dem bids for Kenton attorney
Departments get Police Corps grads
New Ky. technical college gets leader
Tattered flags get fiery send-off