State Rep. Greg Markkanen on Wednesday hosted several community college officials during a budget committee meeting for high education and community colleges.

Representatives from the Michigan Community College Association, Gogebic Community College, Northwestern Michigan College, and Lake Michigan College spoke before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges.

“Community colleges are the backbone of higher education in Michigan,” said Markkanen, who chairs the higher education budget subcommittee. “They provide an affordable, local option for high school students and recent graduates to further their education without the commitment or price tag of a larger college or university.”

Markkanen said his goal for his committee during the budgeting process was guaranteeing community colleges and other higher education institutions receive fair consideration for state funding. We must ensure public institutions are operating efficiently and returning the best possible return on investment for taxpayers.

“Times are tough for everyone right now, meaning we’re all looking internally to find places we can save money or spend more efficiently,” said Markkanen, R-Hancock. “Our school administrators will be great partners in this committee and in the new state budget if they’re committed to seriously looking at their own budgets to make sure every dollar of state funding is making the biggest impact it can.”

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