I've enjoyed reading all the comments to the list over the past couple of weeks regarding planetarium and library funding (or lack thereof), and fully intend to post some additional thoughts soon-- I just don't have time right now. Some of those past posts, described the proposed new planetarium (and our public libraries by implication) as an educational-like entity, entitled to public general-funds for capital and operating purposes; thereby discounting the suggested need for more innovative fundraising to supplement the dwindling supply of public resources.
This issue was again brought to mind this morning, as I read an interesting article in the NT Times regarding private contributions to colleges and universities-- also education-like entities. The NYT's article begins: "Despite an economic downturn and a choppy stock market, contributions to American colleges and universities rose to a record in the year that ended on June 30, according to a study to be released today by the Rand Corporation Council for Aid to Education. Giving to institutions of higher education by foundations, individuals and corporations increased by $1 billion in the year, to $24.2 billion, confounding Rand researchers and others who had worried that philanthropy had slowed sharply..." Check the article in 3-22-02 Times, by Stephanie Strom, at: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/22/education/22RAND.html?todaysheadlines More to follow next week. Michael Hohmann Linden Hills _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
