President Obama recently submitted to Congress the American Jobs Act, a plan designed to boost economic growth and employment. The bill includes a $5 billion appropriation to modernize community colleges.
Several two-year college educators here in Texas have had a chance to look it over, and they seem to like what they see, especially in the wake of the recent Regular Session of the Legislature. Due to state budget cuts for the next biennium, schools are presently diverting funds from construction and modernization to shore up their instructional mission. Hence the physical infrastructure of many schools is deteriorating, while enrollment has surged.
Nationwide, the heyday of college construction was during the 70s and 80s. Now these same facilities are in desperate need of repair and refurbishing.
The best treatment of this topic so far is from Diane Smith of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Few are predicting quick passage of the bill, but many commentators believe some key parts of it may survive, and this particular purpose (along with highways, bridges, and such) is reportedly less controversial than other components of the measure.
Excerpts from the FWST piece:
Weatherford College President Kevin Eaton has a repair list for his aging campus that could use a boost from federal dollars promised by President Barack Obama.
At Tarrant County College, the South and Northeast campuses are also more than 40 years old and could use upgrades.
"If we have an opportunity -- yes, we will consider asking for grants," said Bill Greenhill, president of the Tarrant County College District board of trustees.
And:
The tough economy boosted enrollment in community colleges as people retrained for new demands in the workforce. For example, TCC's fall 2011 enrollment rose 1.9 percent over last year, with 50,062 students on its five campuses.
"We've been real crucial in these economic times," said TCC Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley. She said Obama's focus on community colleges is "right on target."
$458 million for Texas
A fact sheet issued by the White House press office states that community colleges are "in serious need of upgrades to ensure that facilities are equipped to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce."
The White House adds that America's community college system was built over 40 years ago to support education and training of that time. Obama's plan would modernize, renovate and repair aging community colleges, including tribal colleges. The colleges have an estimated $100 billion in deferred maintenance -- projects placed on hold -- according to the White House.
Under the plan, $458.4 million would be available to Texas. The money could be used only for the repair, renovation or modernization of facilities used primarily for instruction and research, including those that prepare students for in-demand jobs.
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