The perfect storm has hit the nation's community colleges - higher enrollment caused by high unemployment requires more resources at a time when education funding is being cut. Reps. John Larson (D-CT) and Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX) have introduced HR 4196, the Community College Emergency Stabilization Fund Act.
Under the act, $700 million will be available in a one-time allocation designed for the states to use as grants to their community colleges. Funds can be used for hiring faculty, staff and counselors or keeping the ones they currently have working with students and out of the unemployment line. $50 million in competitive grants will also be available in a competitive grant program for career and technical colleges.
Community colleges are vital to the economy and play many roles. For high school students wanting to go to four year schools, they are an affordable way to build transferable credits. For students seeking employment in technical areas or trades, they provide job training. For laid off employees, they provide job training and a way to successfully re-enter the workforce.
Reps. Larson and Hinojosa are looking for co-sponsors for the bill and want to have the bill become part of any jobs package put forth by Congress in the near term. Contact your House member to ask them to sign on.
Track the bill using THOMAS.
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