Don't decimate state's colleges when they're most needed
Friday, November 21, 2008 1:16 AM PST
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E-mail this articleNov. 21 Daily News editorial
Spending over the past four years by the Legislature grew state government at a rate that was not sustainable, even in good times. Now, the slumping economy has exacerbated the problem to such a degree that vital programs are rolling onto the chopping block.
Early indications are that the state’s colleges will be expected to absorb a large share of the pain in getting the state’s budget balanced. And that’s a formula for making matters worse.
The state Office of Financial Management on Wednesday asked state colleges to develop plans for a 20 percent cut in expected spending, which would add up to about $600 million over the next two years.
The Seattle Times reported that would likely cut thousands of students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges, including Lower Columbia College in Longview.
Now, more than ever, LCC serves a vital role in preparing Cowlitz County for the future. Enrollment at the college has been growing steadily as our young people and others recognize the value of higher education to both themselves and the community.
The relatively low-cost means of higher education and technical training at LCC and other community colleges must be protected. Community colleges, for many, are the only option for continuing education and retraining. They are remarkably adept at adjusting their offerings to meet the changing demands of the job market.
Yes, the colleges, like all agencies funded at least in part by state dollars, need to look for ways to trim costs. State government spending during the last two sessions of the Legislature was too aggressive and optimistic. Gov. Chris Gregoire, who helped facilitate that spending, has vowed not to solve the problem by raising taxes during her second term.
A projected $5.1 billion state budget deficit will certainly test Gregoire’s pledge.
A state deficit was unavoidable even had the Legislature shown more spending restraint during the good times. The state and national economy is such that governments at all levels across the state and country are looking at similarly hard decisions.
In Washington, everything not mandated by federal or state law must be examined closely with an eye on savings.
It is likely LCC and the state’s other colleges can proposes money-saving solutions that do not cut into their core mission of being a low-cost, inclusive educational resource for the communities they serve. But whether they can do so with 20 percent reductions is doubtful. That would amount to $3 million in cuts for LCC alone, according to the college.
The beginning goal of any reductions should be to keep the doors as wide open as possible for all who seek to better themselves.
As LCC president Jim McLaughlin told The Daily News on Wednesday, community colleges are a huge part of the solution to a struggling economy. The state needs to recognize this.
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