Our community colleges need aid

I write to express concerns from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association regarding state funding for community college districts. Illinois state funding for community colleges is significantly lower than it was six years ago in Fiscal Year 2002.

In recent years, small increases in the community college annual appropriation have almost kept up with inflation, but overall state dollars directed toward community colleges remain well below Fiscal Year 2002 state appropriations. Reductions in state support have directly caused community college students to pay nearly 50 percent more in tuition in order for community college boards to maintain the current level of services.

During the Fiscal Year 2008 budget process, community college funding was cut to a level $10 million lower than the General Assembly had approved (and 1 percent below the FY 2007 authorized appropriation). Our $3 million student success grant, which provides needed services for disadvantaged students, was eliminated. In addition, $7 million in general formula funding was reduced, placing additional financial demands upon our students.

Community college trustees have heard your rationale that "pork" spending was vetoed from the budget to fund more important programs.

We recognize that higher education funding is not one of Gov. Blagojevich's higher priorities. However, we also believe that our students are not "pork." The Illinois Community College Trustees Association encourages Gov. Blagojevich and his administration to view the state's support for community colleges as essential to Illinois' long-term economic growth.

Kathy Wessel

President

Illinois Community College Trustees Association

Springfield