Better job Quote by Tim Matheson
“It started with Ronald Reagan, when he took away the financing to the California universities. It used to be cheap to send your kids to the UCs. They'd call it an investment, because the more you educate people, the more they'll pay in taxes, because they'll get better jobs. But Reagan said, "No, it's a cost, so you're going to have to pay the cost." So now people can't afford to get an education. Anyway, I don't want to get too political, but yeah, I think the spirit of this country is finally coming back, and hopefully it will triumph.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public commentary on U.S. higher education policy, 1980s
Reagan's budget cuts framed education as a cost, reducing access and shifting public perception of higher education.
In simple terms: Education was treated as a cost, not an investment, limiting access.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for viewing education as an investment.
Themes
education
policy
economics
access
politics
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- state budget decisions
- college affordability
- tax policy
- public perception
- political rhetoric
Key Concepts
public finance
human capital
social equity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does framing education as a cost affect society?
- What policies could restore investment perception?
A Different Perspective
Long‑term societal impacts may outweigh short‑term fiscal savings.
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