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Historically, during an economic downturn, students turn more than ever to community colleges for workforce training and an affordable alternative to more expensive public and private four-year institutions. Howard Community College is already experiencing significant increases in the number of high school graduates enrolling. Additionally, fall 2008 full-time equivalent student enrollment increased 6.26 percent over fall 2007 —more than double the projected increase of 3 percent.

HCC's recent $499,527 cut in previously approved state funding for this academic year will be a significant burden on a student population that continues to grow at a rapid rate. The cut translates into much needed faculty and staff positions not being funded, services not being offered to meet students' needs, essential technical equipment not being upgraded, and workforce shortage programs not being supported.

The deteriorating financial situation of many of our students and their families constrains the college in responding to state budget cuts by increasing tuition. Fourteen percent of HCC students come from families in Howard County that have household incomes of less than the federal poverty level of $20,000 and 20 percent come from families in Howard County with household incomes totaling $20,000 to $39,000. This year, the college has seen a 17 percent increase in the number of financial aid applications to the college and one-third of our students receive some form of financial aid.

Now more than ever, it is important to remember that community colleges exist to ensure that all who wish to receive a quality education may have the opportunity to do so at an affordable price. I have no doubt that state leaders know "doing more with less" merely translates to "doing less with less."

Given the significant state cut that has already been imposed on Howard Community College, we hope, for the sake of our students, their families, and the communities in Maryland they are preparing to serve, that deeper cuts will not be made.

T. James Truby, Columbia

The writer is chairman of the Howard Community College Board of Trustees.