Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, asked North Idaho College President Priscilla Bell about her support for a proposed $1.047 million additional allocation to College of Western Idaho next year for its enrollment growth. "I want to gauge your level of support - are you willing to support that workload adjustment if it means a lower appropriation to your college?" Cameron asked her. Bell responded that NIC supported the formation of CWI, and still does. "We were also assured that the funding for CWI would not come from the existing pie for CSI and NIC," she said. Cameron replied, "We have worked very hard to make sure that is not the case, but I only have so many dollars in the pie." Bell then said, "I submit to you that the state can make no better investment than investing in community colleges. ... We are the workhorses of the higher education system. ... I submit that investing in our three colleges is the best money that you can invest."

JFAC Co-Chair Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, said it was "beautifully said," and told her, "We truly do believe that there will be better days."

---

---