Bare-bones budget set for community colleges

JFAC has set a bare-bones budget for the state’s community colleges, calling for a 3.9 percent cut in their state general funds and a 5.6 percent cut in total funds. None of the community colleges’ requests for funding, including those to cover enrollment increases, are funded. The governor had recommended a $413,300 decrease in state funds; JFAC more than doubled that to $933,800. The even bigger drop in overall funds reflects the loss of one-time federal stimulus money the colleges got this year.

Sen. Bert Brackett, R-Rogerson, proposed the motion. Rep. Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, said, “Reluctantly, I am supporting this motion. What the colleges are doing, they’re finding additional efficiencies. They are delaying their hiring.” Jaquet said she remains concerned about the costs of enrollment growth at the College of Western Idaho, which has no reserves. “It definitely needs some additional funding,” she said, saying she’s hoping the joint committee will be able to “backfill” the budget with additional funds later. Added Sen. Diane Bilyeu, D-Pocatello, “I just have a real concern about what we’re doing.” The motion passed on a17-3 vote, with just Bilyeu, Rep. Shirley Ringo and Sen. Nicole LeFavour objecting. The budget still needs passage in both houses and the governor’s signature to become law, but budget bills rarely are changed once they’re set by the joint committee.