In high-school physics class, I learned about Isaac Newton’s three laws of motion. I was taught they applied to science, not politics.

But Newton’s third law, which says for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, is prevalent in the latest development concerning the University’s budget crisis.

Let’s label the chainsaw massacring of the budget the action, and the federal government’s refusal to give us stimulus money the reaction. In its current fiscal situation, Arizona could miss out on more than $800 million in stimulus money for education. The U.S. Department of Education requires states to fund their universities on par or at a higher level than the 2008 or 2009 fiscal year — whichever provided more funding.

The dust has settled and GOP politicians now must realize they made a huge mistake by targeting education. They not only faced a backlash from their constituency, but now the federal government, as well.

It seems that students have always regarded Washington with skepticism, especially as of late. Skepticism stems from the multiple bailouts given to the banking and auto industries, as well as the AIG bonuses. But the federal government has finally taken the needs of the average American into account. This stimulus money will provide much-needed funds to the universities and hopefully ease any upcoming tuition increases.

Regardless of party affiliation, this news should be greeted with optimism. Perhaps education in Arizona will not be sent back to the Stone Age or put on par with Third World countries.

The cynical side of public opinion will say that we may not end up qualifying for the stimulus money given the past actions of our state government.

However, we could be wrong. According to an article in Tucson’s Arizona Daily Star, Gov. Jan Brewer is not upset at the need to pump money back into the state’s universities. Have the extremist politicians that resided in our state capitol this past January left?

A State Press article reports that if a governor feels this funding stipulation is too binding, they can be waived by the U.S. Department of Education through the year 2011.

As a generally optimistic person, though, I do not believe this will happen. Gov. Brewer’s spokesman Paul Senseman is quoted in the Daily Star, saying, “This governor views this as a good opportunity to restore some critical funding to universities.”

Washington politicians and President Obama’s administration have their priorities straight by setting strict standards to receive the stimulus money. As for Newton, he receives three cheers for his third law.

Andrew can be reached at andrew.hedlund@asu.edu.