Few lawmakers ever have anything negative to say about us - and like to highlight our ability to assist veteran's and train the work force, but that doesn't always translate into funding. The preliminary budgets cut funding about 5%, despite recent increases in enrollment, but one legislator in the story suggested that funding may eventually be increased.
"What we've been facing is jokingly what I would call the Rodney Dangerfield syndrome," said Bill Holda, president of Kilgore College and board chairman of the Texas Association of Community Colleges.We'll follow this over the session.
"We can't get any respect."
Holda said the state's 50 community colleges, with over 725,000 students, constitute more than half the total enrollment in higher education but "have not had the prestige" of better-funded four-year universities, many of which have big budgets and nationally recognized research and athletic programs.
Nevertheless, community colleges have legions of defenders, including many in the Legislature. They say the schools are at the front lines of building an educated, competitive workforce.
Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, who has more than a half-dozen community college systems in his East Texas district, predicts that community colleges will ultimately escape a cut and may even get an increase.
Rep. Diane Patrick, R-Arlington, a member of the House Higher Education Committee, said: "Community colleges, as far as I'm concerned, are where it's happening. They're a big part of making education more affordable and more accessible for our students."
