Ut.ah’s financial effort in behalf of higher education is spotlighted in a news release issued this week by the Utah Taxpayers Association. This state ranks third in the nation in state appropriations for colleges and universities per $1000 of personal income, UTA notes. Taxpayers paid $17.58 on higher education for every $1000 eamed. The average of the 50 states was $11.22. The figures – for the 197879 fiscal year – were taken from the Chronicle of Higher Education. Other intermountain states and their spending for higher education per $1000 of personal income included: New Mexico, $16.42, sixth; Idaho, $16.34, eighth; Wyoming, $15.31, 10th; Arizona, $14.60, 12th; Colorado, $12.66, 22nd; and Nevada, $9.91, 38th. According to the UTA report, when spending for higher education is compared on a per capita basis, Utah ranks fifth at $104.14 per capita; Wyoming, $115.87, third; Idaho, $97.78, ninth; New Mexico, $96.18, 10th; Arizona, $95.02, 12th; Colorado, $90.61, 19th; and Nevada, $79.17, $28th. The 50-state average was $78.67. All seven states listed above were above the national average, the taxpayers association said. The state general fund, mainly through sales taxes, pays about 75 percent of ,the cost of higher education in Utah. Twenty-two percent comes from student tuition ancl other dedicated credits. Federal grants and other sources account for the remaining 3 percent. Utah ranks 12th in spending increases for higher education for the two-year period 1976-77 to 1970-79 for an increase of 28 percent compared to the average increase for the 50 states of 22 percent. UTA further reported that Utah appropriations for higwher education were 57 percent a ove the 50state average when based on income, and 32 percent higher when based on population. “At the same time, Utah had only 19 percent more of its population enrolled in public colleges and universities than the other 49 states.” We believe the UTA report reflects the traditional dedication and support of education that has marked this state through the years. There may be categories in which Utah doesn’t rank high among “national averages” – but in percentage of income devoted to education this state generally has held a respected position. As new education budgets are considered, we should continue strong supgort, of course, but at the same ‘me strictly apply the principles of economy and eficiency, Amid spirallng inflation, heavy tax burdens, and doubtful economic forecasts, budget setters must keep a tight rein on spending. We believe this can be accomp ished without sacrificing or diminishing education oals in which Utahns traditionalfy have taken pride. Brig ht Spot It’s internal, not foreign, policy that puts another country in the news. In observance of the 15th anniversary of independence, Kenya’s President Daniel Arap Moi released all political prisoners – a grand total of 16, including three members of parliament. It was a demonstration of the success with which the East African country has carried through the transfer of power following the death of founder Jomo Kenyatta. His successor has avoided civil strife, preserved a functioning if less than perfect democracy and is moving to clean up the corruption which marred Kenyatta’s latter years. As political repression goes these days, 16 detainees certainly did not make Kenya big league these days. But the fact that there were so few and now none makes it a bright spot not only in Africa but on the generally dismal world scene in this respect.