Thomas Botzman, president of Misericordia University (PA), writes: Sadly, the proposed state budget for fiscal 2017-18 cuts IAG funding by $13 million, generating modest savings at the state level in a move that I believe is contrary to the best interests of students and taxpayers. The allocation of IAG funds to private colleges and universities is based on the number of low- and moderate-income students they serve. Therein lies the beauty of this funding mechanism, as spending on IAG for private higher education has a means test to assure that private higher education provides access to the benefit of the public good.