Building a better bridge

Bridges to better tomorrows are best built by community colleges.

Particularly in Idaho - land of low wages and, not coincidentally, one of the nation's worst rates of high school graduates going on to improve themselves through education and training - community colleges are key to success. The community college option is widely available, flexible and affordable. Unlike many four-year programs, a two-year degree or certificate can instantly pay dividends, with a raise at an existing job or an immediate opportunity for a better one.

That's why we're concerned that the Idaho Legislature does not appear eager to provide sufficient funding for the three community colleges to meet the demands of today's high school graduates and other low-wage earners striving to improve themselves and their value in the workforce. Earlier this week, a presentation to the Legislature's funding arm elicited few signs of support.

In fact, Gov. Butch Otter's office has proposed a meager 1.5 percent state funding increase to community colleges. That compares to a recommended 4.4 percent boost to Idaho's four-year institutions, and sweeping increases throughout K-12.

While we ardently support adequate funding for all levels of public education, community colleges in many cases provide the best bargain for students and taxpayers with the most immediate return on investment. North Idaho College, with its stellar nursing program, great advances in aerospace industry training, and broad technical programs, is putting its degree and certificate earners quickly to work in many good-paying jobs. If anything, the workforce needs of local businesses, manufacturing and otherwise, exceed the supply of qualified applicants. And that's precisely why our community colleges are seeking and should receive additional state funding support.

We encourage North Idaho legislators to push hard for sufficient North Idaho College state funding. You'll be easing the burden somewhat of local property taxpayers and the students themselves. More importantly, you'll be investing in local workforce development.