billion package includes an expansion
of Pell Grants, college tax credits, and
loan programs, and provides additional
funds to expand training and certificate
programs.
Still, a lack of financial support at
the state level—long the lifeblood of
community college growth—raises the
question: Can the nation’s community
colleges satisfy a growing public appetite for their services without adequate
fiscal support?
According to the Center on Budget
and Policy Priorities, 39 states report
shortfalls for FY 2010; 36 reported cuts
to higher education across the board,
including community colleges. In a
November 2009 report, the National
Conference of State Legislatures cited
a $145.9 billion nationwide budget gap
that states would be forced to close for
FY 2010, with new gaps opening in the
meantime.
Moment
