Wed Sep 25 07:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Washington State Faces $28.5 Million Community College Funding Cut
**Olympia, WA** – The Washington governor’s office is seeking to recover $28.5 million from community colleges during the upcoming legislative session, a move that has sparked alarm among college officials who warn of potential layoffs.
The Office of Financial Management (OFM) attributes the need for the clawback to a budget error that resulted in “duplicated” funds. The OFM memo to the state Board for Community and Technical Colleges states that the funds must be “unallocated.”
The state board, however, has already approved a budget request that seeks to either increase the community college system’s base funding or bolster appropriations for the College Affordability Program. This program compensates colleges for revenue lost from a 2015 tuition cut.
Board chair Martin Valadez expressed concern, stating that the colleges are not at fault for the budget error and that the funds have already been incorporated into operational budgets. He warned that the $28.5 million cut could lead to hiring freezes, layoffs, program delays, or even closures.
Lawmakers are now tasked with addressing the funding discrepancy and determining how to recover the $28.5 million. The outcome of this legislative battle will have significant implications for Washington’s community college system and the students it serves.
First Piper 