What seemed like such a great deal 14 years ago, Washington's 529 GET program now appears to be a liability to the state as the Legislature is now deciding on whether or not to change the wording of the program, specifically to not pay for tuition increases for certain degrees or "fees unique to specific programs of study."

In its original form, GET pays full tuition no matter what degree the participant is enrolled in. In its new form, it may but only in certain cases.

There is no question that because of the market downturn, the state is in a bind funding the GET program. To worsen the situation, state universities last year were allowed to set their own tuition and also charge extra for certain degrees resulting in significant increases, putting even more strain on GET. Universities must stop looking for ways to continually increase costs, which are already prohibitively high and nearly out of reach to those with common means.

GET stands for Guaranteed Education Tuition. Universities should be working with the state to ensure this program works for everyone instead of contributing to its demise, and the state in turn should be steadfast in maintaining the full guarantee of this program.

DAVID P. SISK, Richland