Where'd the money go?

By Alisa Hill
Staff Writer

Announcements of statewide agency budget cuts sparked discussions in Cliff Bowden’s Government 2301 class examining what the future holds for North Lake College students and staff.

Cliff Bowden, in class and in a follow-up interview, questioned “Why aren’t we back up and running?” Insecurity permeates lives waiting for the impact of budget changes. He said, “Insecurity is at the root of why we are facing an economic crisis.”

Students in the class discussion appeared to be unaware as news of the potential slashing of mini-mesters came out. Changes are necessary to meet state-mandated budget cuts. Backpedaling is occurring for some of the proposed budget changes. Is this because those who sit in Austin do not want to antagonize the public and potential votes?

Each campus is challenged to achieve its portion of budget cuts for this fiscal year, which ends in August 2003. Those budget cuts are only the tip of the iceberg to stretch the funds allocated, Bowden said. Further budget cuts will be required for the next fiscal year.

Bowden opened up his government class to discussion of the issue when a student brought up the NLC cuts. Bowden explained to his class, “This is an effort to keep the lights on, as the state doesn’t have the money to give the colleges due to shortfalls.”

Since Sept. 11 there is a sense of uneasiness in America, which has economically hurt federal and state budgets, said Bowden. Bowden explained how a ripple effect is being seen from this tragedy, as individuals have experienced insecurity and have quit spending money. As a result, money is not infused into the marketplace. Layoffs happen when companies cannot pay salaries to retain employees. The ripple continues. Stock markets tumble, further undermining the confidence of the people, said Bowden.

"As companies experience fewer revenues, the amount paid to federal, state and local entities are reduced," said Bowden. "Monies paid include sales taxes, which allow programs to operate such as community colleges."

One student in the discussion questioned whether the amount a student pays in tuition should cover the budget of the schools. Bowden explained that Dallas County Community College District schools receive a subsidy for the students enrolled, which is why a community college student pays the current tuition rate. All tuition that is paid goes to operating a college; however, it is only a small percentage of what it really takes to run a college. In a private college, the tuition can equal what some earn in an annual salary.

To change the economic slump, the nation needs to return to a sense of security, said Bowden. As Bowden pointed out, President George Bush is attempting to make the American public secure after Sept 11. On that day, the American symbol of commerce in New York City was decimated. Terrorists also attacked the American symbol of military power, the Pentagon. By pushing back on supporters of terrorism, Bush is attempting to bring us back to a sense of security.

As Bowden put it, “Eliminating that which threatens will bring us back to a sense of security.”