Veto could make community college more expensive

Students come to Howard College in San Angelo for programs ranging from cosmetology to computer technology to criminal justice. Besides the variety of programs, one factor that makes Howard College appealing to many students is the cost. Tuition is $50 per semester hour. In June, Governor Rick Perry vetoed $154 million in community college funding. The money was intended to pay health benefits for employees. The Howard College system would lose $1.6 million. LeAnne Byrd, Provost of Howard College in San Angelo says such a large funding cut would be "a huge hit to our budget." Howard College in San Angelo gets its funding from two sources -- the state, and from tuition paid by students. Byrd says If i the governor cant be convinced to restore the money he vetoed, it would be students who have to make up the difference. And administrators say it could mean tuition for the 2008-2009 school year would have to nearly double. "If this is not corrected, if we cant find a solution to this, it would be an increase of about $45 per hour to our students," Byrd says. Heather Morgan completes her schooling in September. But she says higher tuition might have been a problem. "I wouldnt have been able to pay for it," she says. "I wouldnt have been able to finish." Danielle Mullenix is just starting at Howard College this fall. And she says if tuition goes up next year, shes not the only one who would feel the pinch. "I would have to think twice," she says about a major tuition increase. "My parents are helping me with school right now, but I dont know how that would work out for me. My dad would probably have to go apply for another loan." Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst has asked the governor to restore the funding. And community college administrators and supporters throughout the state are hoping they arent faced with hard choices and a shortage of funds in a year.