Legislation to require the State to fully fund community colleges under the Cade formula  would increase the State share of per-pupil funding to 29% of that appropriated to 4-year public institutions of higher education in the State. MACo Policy Associate Kevin Kinnally testified in support of House Bill 516 before the House Appropriations Committee on February 13, 2018.

The increases in state aid to community colleges would continue gradually through 2022 in this bill with an accelerated phase-in. It allows for counties and community colleges to manage costs and provide more Marylanders with access to opportunities in higher education through low-cost education and job training.

From MACo Testimony:

When state funding for community colleges lags, additional pressure builds on county budgets and on student tuition. When county budgets face distress from the economic climate or state actions, the local contributions cannot reliably offset these cutbacks. For the past several years, this combined dynamic has led to increased tuition costs for Maryland community college students, at a time when the training and education opportunities are arguably most needed.

HB 516 would increase the Cade formula, signaling a new commitment to community colleges on behalf of the State.”

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2018 legislative session here.