Why does it seem as if the cost of education is as bad as it gets? Everyone talks about the importance of education, but finding money in government seems to be at the bottom of the task list.

What’s interesting is that when politicians run for office, they often talk about improving education and providing students with the best affordable education possible. However, in the past 25 years, the financial problems with education continue to get worse nationally. Government has a problem prioritizing and allocating sufficient amounts of money for its public schools and public universities. And we the students continue to give without receiving.

Here’s a reminder: As taxpayers, we give corporations millions of dollars each year by purchasing cars, computers, clothing and fast food. In return, these corporations make millions of dollars and even may receive tax write-offs. What do we get in return? Insufficient amounts of money for education. We also get a front-page article informing us that the CEO of our favorite investment company – or sports team – has stolen millions of dollars from us as a whole. The following proposal would alleviate some of the financial problems that educational institutions are facing around the country. “Leave No Corporation Behind” is the proposed guide to improving the facilities and environment in which young people are taught.

With this proposal, companies such as Nike, Reebok and Adidas would be allowed to build sports facilities on college campuses. The proposal would provide jobs, internships and graduate assistantships. These companies already give the sports programs discounts on merchandise while making millions of dollars off the universities’ likenesses. Why not have them build a facility, maintain it, allow the state to hire faculty and spend the money to pay faculty?

Ford, Pontiac and Oldsmobile should be allowed to provide cars at no cost to universities for the purpose of traveling to conferences and other collegiate events and, in return, receive tax write-offs and future business from full-time employees and students.

With ever-changing technology, a deal should be implemented that would allow Microsoft and Dell to build facilities while providing upgrades and the best software programs with computers to students year-round.

U.S. Cellular agreed to pay the Chicago White Sox $68 million over 20 years for naming rights. What harm would it do for the Music Building to be named “Virgin Records,” for the record company, if it means the university would be presented with a check for $30 million for 10 years? Alumni donate millions of dollars every year to programs with their names on it. Why not maximize the benefits for students?

Those that believe such a proposal is politically incorrect must be satisfied with the education they – or their children – are receiving. Unfortunately, it will be a cold day in hell before President George W. Bush or Gov. Rod Blagojevich advocates it like they do when they are campaigning for improvements in the cost of education.

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.