Net flows in 529 college plans were negative in 2005– after a 20% growth spurt in 2004, according to Financial Research Corp. – and now states are scurrying to find ways to attract investors by cutting administrative fees and renegotiating their contracts with fund managers to help pump up competition between investment firms offering the plans, The Wall Street Journal Reports. The states are hoping this will encourage rival managers to lower fees, which in turn will allow the state plans to cut costs, and at the same time provide an incentive for managers to offer more product choices, the WSJ reports. But several issues are working against the states, the article says, citing financial advisers: Brokers are not highlighting the advantages of the 529 plans, instead pushing other funds they offer; and the tax breaks given to incentivize investors are due to expire in 2010. Congress has decided not to extend them.