Where does all the money go in Nevada?

To the editor:

I am concerned that your reporters constantly write that our state doesn't fund higher education at levels comparable to other states. Start checking your facts and don't take the government's word. Consider the UNLV dental school.

The UNLV School of Dental Medicine receives $8.7 million in state funding. The dental school in Oregon receives $4 million. The number of students is about the same.

UNLV's tuition is $40,434, Oregon's is $26,020. This makes UNLV's student costs among the highest of any state school.

There is a private dental school in Phoenix that receives no state funding, and the tuition there is $49,000.

Our schools are being adequately funded, but students are overcharged. We need to know where the money goes, and why other states and schools can provide quality education for considerably less money than Nevada.

At some point, administration and government must be held accountable for their spending. Cutting budgets and bringing them in line with other states would be a good start. If the private sector can provide the same education without the state support, then it is time to consider outsourcing our education to people who can control costs.

J. STEPHEN SILL

LAS VEGAS

A freebie

To the editor:

It's no secret that the special legislative session that begins Tuesday costs money -- money that we don't have and will add to Nevada's current deficit. Might I suggest that lawmakers show each Nevadan some good will by working the special session for free?

Since they didn't get the job done right the first time, during the 2009 regular session, they should be willing to consider this one a make-up to the citizenry. If government were a private business and didn't do the job right the first time, they would do it over again at no charge to retain good customer relations. So why shouldn't our elected officials do the same?

After all, the way we decide not to patronize them is by not re-electing them.

Frank Lucas

Henderson