By By Kerry Whipple Bean – publisher
If cuts proposed by Gov. Bob Riley in the two-year college budget prevail in the Legislature, Jefferson Davis Community College would still continue its workforce development and adult education programs, President Susan McBride said Tuesday.
It's not clear where the cuts would come from - at the state department level or at individual schools - but “none of it sounds good to me,” McBride said.
The Legislature has not yet considered any budget measures.
The governor's budget would cut state funding for the two-year college system from $427.8 million to $384.9 million. The bulk of cuts would come in workforce development - where funding would be eliminated - and adult basic education, which would be cut form $18.8 million to $6.4 million.
Funding for those programs does not exclusively come from the state, although that does make up a large chunk of the money.
McBride said JDCC would be committed to providing those services to the community, even with less money.
Both programs are essential for helping the economy in the county and region, McBride said.
With new industries - including the ThyssenKrupp steel mill in north Mobile County - coming to the region, Mobile will likely need to look outside its immediate area for workers.
The Legislature has not yet acted on any budget proposals, but most have predicted cuts will be necessary because of less-than-expected state revenue predictions.
State Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, said last week lawmakers are taking a cautious approach to the general fund and education budgets, hoping for a better financial outlook.