Preparing to transfer to Florida State University in the fall with her associate’s degree, Green said the ability to “interact one-on-one” with her college teachers and the lower cost of tuition were major factors that attracted her to the state college system.
Rep. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park, emphasized the role of state colleges with helping minority students earn degrees and certificates. About six out of every 10 students in the system are either black or Hispanic, according to the state Department of Education.
“It bothers me the direction we’re moving in in the cuts in our college system,” said Jones, a member of the House budget committee. “Stop picking on the little guys and fund them properly.”
As the college leaders and some lawmakers criticized the potential cuts, the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday voted 17-1 to send another major state college bill (SB 374) to the Senate floor next week.
The measure would create a state Board of Community Colleges to oversee the 28 schools and it would cap enrollment for baccalaureate students at each college at no more than 15 percent of the total student body.
