Every year it seems Maine’s community colleges lose government funding for programs. The system has had to cut $2.9 million from the current fiscal year budget.

According to the MCCS Web site, community colleges in Maine are seeing a 20 percent increase in applicants for the spring 2009 semester. It also states that 96 percent of MCCS graduates are placed in jobs or continue their education and 95 percent of employed graduates find jobs in Maine after attending a Maine community college.

With figures like those, why is the government requiring these cuts year after year?

The state needs a balanced budget, but the MCCS is not the place to cut. Maine residents go to college for a degree to support themselves in the future. Eventually these cuts will mean fewer students being able to receive a higher education.

The trickle-down effect will result in less educated people who have lower paying jobs and then a higher number of welfare recipients.

People need to speak up and let elected officials know that the funding cuts are not acceptable. Having higher educated residents and fewer people receiving welfare should be a goal.

Tracey Bessey, Kingfield