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Last update - 22:12 21/07/2008 MKs okay preliminary reading for NIS 1.8b higher education budget hike By Zvi Zrahia and Shahar Ilan, Haaretz Correspondents Tags: Knesset, Israel  The Knesset plenum on Monday approved the preliminary reading of a bill that would increase the higher education budget by NIS 1.8 billion and freeze tuition fees for five years, in opposition to the position of Finance Minister Roni Bar-On. The bill, initiated by MK Haim Oron (Meretz), would also put in place measures to strengthen colleges in the nation's periphery. Fifty MKs voted for the bill, including four Kadima MKs and David Azoulay from Shas. Twenty five MKs voted against, including three from Labor. There were four abstentions. Advertisement Shas ministers, angry over the expected appointment of Avishay Braverman as chairman of the Knesset's Finance Committee, opposed the bill. MK Oron said the Knesset had been enlisted to rescue the higher education system and to ensure the beginning of the coming academic year would take place. He regretted the absence of Labor from the vote, accusing its members of preferring to ensure Braverman's appointment rather than helping to solve a national crisis. In a discussion of the bill 10 days ago, Finance Minister Bar-On said, "If you vote for the bill you will be responsible for its results. We won't agree to wanton payments of wages to people who don't provide a service." "There are lecturers at the universities satisfied working zero to three hours a week and it's impossible to tell them a word," Bar-On added. "The Council for Higher Education doesn't give us financial reports for checking and it's all in the name of academic freedom. In this situation it's impossible to manage a system that aspires to excellence." Related articles: Unbridled attack on higher education Study: Sharp drop in government spending on higher education in Israel (2006) Higher education feeling the squeeze Bookmark to del.icio.us   'Icon of evil' Hitler icons take center stage at Jerusalem students' end-of-year art show. Caught on film Human rights group releases video of IDF soldier shooting Palestinian at short range.

Read & React Brown to Knesset: Iran must suspend nuclear bid or face global isolation Responses: 127 Report: Israel willing to free Barghouti for Shalit Responses: 139 Yossi Sarid: Obama has already changed things for the better Responses: 68 Yoav Orgad: Before the Muslim minority becomes a majority Responses: 74 IDF reservists rail at having to guard former Jewish terrorist Responses: 34 Rosner's Domain What will Obama look for in Jerusalem (and Ramallah)? If Israel attacks Iran, 42% of Americans say U.S. should help (WTR) Do U.S. Jews really support 'necessary compromises' for peace? Why does Israel keep agreeing to prisoner swaps? More Headlines 21:31 McCain: Sanctions might stop Iran, but U.S. won't allow second Holocaust 22:13 Lawmakers pass three no-confidence votes against gov't 20:06 Court rejects petition to keep Talansky in Israel for further questioning 15:04 Report: Israel willing to free Marwan Barghouti for Shalit 16:39 Soldier filmed shooting bound Palestinian: Commander told me 'shoot him' 19:09 VIDEO: Israeli-developed device allows paraplegics to walk again 21:35 Fearing Haredi ire, Knesset choir excludes women singers at Brown session 19:16 Brown to Knesset: Iran must suspend nuclear bid or face global isolation 22:12 MKs okay preliminary reading for NIS 1.8b higher education budget hike 17:22 Syria says determined to forge diplomatic ties with Lebanon 19:23 Palestinians: West Bank settlers fired makeshift rockets at us 18:07 IDF soldier moderately injured in latest parachuting accident 14:32 OPINION / If Olmert isn't a criminal, he is at least an ingrate 11:13 Katsav lashes back at rejection of his request for luxury car, lavish office Previous Editions Select Day 20 jul 18 jul 17 jul 16 jul 15 jul 14 jul 13 jul 11 jul 10 jul 09 jul 08 jul 07 jul

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