March 16, 2011

Up to four community and technical colleges could close under Governor's proposed budget cuts

Legislative budget writers continued their look at the devastating impacts of the governor’s proposed budget cuts on higher education.

The House Ways and Means Committee Tuesday (March 15) learned that the governor’s cuts would range from 23 percent to 27 percent in state community and technical colleges. That translates to tuition hikes between 18 percent and 23 percent. That means 8,800 fewer individuals a year prepared for jobs.

The potential impact on enrollment is stunning. Between 26,000 and 38,000 students would be turned away at state community and technical colleges.

And that translates to closure of between 2.5 and four colleges. No closures are being proposed but the fact the possibility is in black and white is chilling.

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