Community Colleges
During these tough economic times, more and more families are turning to community colleges as an alternative to attending four year universities in the State. Community colleges cost almost one-third less than the state’s public universities and nearly 10% less than many private colleges.

Community colleges also provide valuable technical programs for mid-career workers to improve their skill set and fill many workforce shortages in the state, including much-needed nursing staff in Southern Maryland.

Understanding this growing need, John worked with House leadership to successfully secure a 3.8% increase to the community college funding formula during the 2009 legislative session to keep up with growing enrollments.  Over 120,000 Marylanders are enrolled in the State’s community colleges.

In addition, during this term, the State has budgeted record levels of capital funding for new construction projects on community college campuses in order to keep them competitive in this technology-driven environment.

Regional Higher Education Centers
John has championed increases to community colleges across the State, but particularly fought for fair and equitable funding for all of the regional higher education centers, including the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center. There are eight regional higher education centers across the State, many in rural areas that provide important workforce development tools to surrounding businesses. As we have learned in St. Mary’s County and particularly with Pax River Navy Base, the regional higher education centers play a pivotal role in the Base Realignment and Closure process. SMHEC has several important partnerships with the surrounding bases and it is important that we continue to support these programs.

Commission to Develop the Maryland Model for Funding Higher Education
John was selected to chair the Commission to Develop the Maryland Model for Funding Higher Education, a special commission of lawmakers, business and university leaders from across the State to develop strategies for long-term access and affordability in Maryland’s higher education system to foster and promote workforce development.  The Commission focused on several main areas, including consistent and stable funding for higher education institutions to ensure accessibility and affordability  The Commission members focused on incorporating long-range accountability measures for State government and the legislature, higher education institutions, and the K – 12 system, in order to improve the State’s higher education system and, in turn, the future of Maryland’s workforce. This is a 10 year blueprint for State funding of the higher education system, accountability from the higher education institutions to our parents, students and citizens, continued development of a top-tier workforce that stays in Maryland, and accessibility of undergraduate and post-graduate resources to our citizens.