LANSING – State Representative Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond) joined the Michigan House today in voting overwhelmingly to preserve funding for Michigan's community colleges, a move that will protect vital workforce development programs and jobs at Michigan's 28 community colleges. The budget is the first of 15 departmental budgets to pass as the Legislature works toward the Sept. 30 budget deadline.
"Emerging industries and job providers want to locate and expand in states that can offer a highly skilled and highly trained workforce," Haase said. "Our community colleges offer affordable access to students of all ages and we have to keep that door open in order to prepare them for good-paying jobs and turn our economy around. This funding will help make sure that continues to happen."
The budget passed today restores cuts that had been made by the Senate. Under that plan, Macomb Community College (MCC) stood to lose more than $180,000 in much-needed funding at a time when enrollment at MCC is up more than 6 percent over last year. In addition, St. Clair Community College (SCCC) stood to lose nearly $37,000 when its enrollment is up more than 10 percent over last year.
The budget also included language to encourage community colleges to pursue cost-cutting measures to maximize their funding, including increasing efficiency, establishing joint ventures with businesses and other educational institutions, and collaborating on programs or consolidating services.