"I applaud and greatly appreciate the Governor's funding recommendations for the North Carolina Community College System. It is clear that Governor Easley supports the important role that our System plays in preparing North Carolina’s citizens to be more productive contributors to the state’s economy. Governor Easley’s budget continues his strong interest in putting North Carolinians back to work through enhanced education.

"This budget addresses four critical areas of concern: our continuing enrollment growth, increasing the salaries of faculty and professional staff, reorganizing and funding the customized training arm of the NCCCS, and securing funding that will enable our colleges to modernize their equipment and facilities.

"Massive layoffs have created significant enrollment increases on our campuses. Without full enrollment growth funding for classroom services, our community colleges will be unable to provide the quality education experience our students deserve.

"Without an increase in the salaries of our faculty and professional staff on our campuses, it will be impossible to continue to meet the needs of those students who turn to their community college for education and retraining. This additional two-percent increase over what is proposed for state employees represents a major step toward bringing the salaries of these dedicated individuals more in line with the national average. It will go a long way in retaining and attracting the personnel needed on our campuses.

"The customized training that our community colleges provide to business and industry plays a major role in recruiting and retaining businesses in North Carolina. The funds outlined in the budget will help the NCCCS continue to provide this valuable service. A special emphasis of the reorganizing action will be in helping existing companies stay profitable and stay in business in North Carolina.

"Equipment funding needs have risen as the need for high technology training has increased. The funds proposed in the Governor’s budget will help the NCCCS upgrade facilities on our campuses.

"I urge the General Assembly build on the recommendations the Governor has made for community colleges as they work to create a budget that will meet the needs of North Carolina’s citizens."

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