Maine proposes $6 million annually for community college support

Maine's community colleges have provided free tuition to recent high school graduates for three years. However, many students struggle with additional needs like housing and food. To address this, Senate President Mattie Daughtry has introduced a bill to allocate $6 million each year for support services at community colleges. Governor Janet Mills started the free community college program in early 2022, with a $20 million budget. She plans to make this program permanent with an additional $25 million in her proposed two-year budget. Since the program began, enrollment at community colleges in Maine has increased by 10%, reaching over 21,000 students last fall. Daughtry noted that with more students enrolling, there is a greater need for support to help them succeed. Her bill proposes $6 million for the 2025-26 school year and $6.3 million the following year. It aims to enhance services like academic counseling, tutoring, food and clothing pantries, child care, and emergency financial aid. However, passing the bill may be difficult. A previous similar proposal was rejected, and the Maine Senate is currently focused on a basic budget amid warnings of a tight financial situation. Lawmakers are also concerned about potential cuts to federal funding. Supporters of the bill, including educators from the Maine Community College System, emphasized the need for additional resources for students impacted by the pandemic. They noted that many first-generation college students struggle without parental support. The proposed funding would help hire tutors and expand counseling and other essential services.