2009 NLS Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT:
FEBRUARY 16, 2009 David Conner 202.775.4454 dconner@acct.org
COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEADERS URGE CONGRESS
TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY COLLEGE AGENDA
Trustees and Presidents Advocate for
Federal Support in Historic Year
WASHINGTON—The
Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) hosted nearly 1,000 community
college leaders from around the country at the Annual National Legislative
Summit (NLS) at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C., February
9-11. The Summit was also supported by
the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
NLS attendees
gathered in Washington to emphasize the importance of community colleges to the
nation’s lawmakers as they work to bring about economic stability.
The three-day event featured meetings and sessions focusing on the economic and workforce development role of community colleges, featuring distinguished speakers including: Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education; Jared Bernstein, Chief Economist, Office of Vice President Joe Biden; Bob Schieffer, Anchor and Moderator, Face the Nation; Judy Biggert, U.S. Representative, 13th District, Illinois; Bob Wise, President, Alliance for Excellent Education and Former Governor of West Virginia; and Scott Lilly, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress.
The attendees were treated to a special general session featuring new U.S. Secretary of Education Duncan. “As someone who has worked with community-based organizations and the in education field all my life,” Duncan said, “I hold community colleges in the highest esteem. Two-year community-based colleges bridge socioeconomic disparities and offer opportunities to those who may not otherwise have them. The community college system is a national treasure.” In addition to giving remarks about the pivotal role community colleges play, Duncan engaged the audience in a lengthy question and answer segment.
ACCT Chair Dr. Arthur Anthonisen, a trustee from Orange County Community College in New York, noted, “In this economic downturn, our colleges are on the front lines of ensuring that students of all ages have the skills and training necessary to find jobs to sustain themselves and their families. Never have community colleges been more important to our nation’s future.”
Schieffer participated in a lively luncheon session and shared some of the lessons he has learned in over 30 years of covering Washington, D.C. politics. Schieffer memorably moderated the last of three final presidential debates between now-President Barack Obama and Senator John McCain.
During the Capital Banquet, ACCT and AACC presented the 2009 National Education Service Award to U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski for her longtime support of legislation that supports community colleges. “I am deeply honored to accept the National Education Service Award,” said Sen. Mikulski. “But it’s really you—the community colleges—that deserve the award.”
Sen. Mikulski noted that she insisted upon an increase in funding to support community college-based nursing programs in Maryland when the state legislature wanted to cut funding despite a shortage of nurses. “I am so proud to fight for you every day,” said Sen. Mikulski, “to put money in the federal checkbook so that community colleges will have what they need. [Community colleges] are vital.”
As part of the annual event, community college trustees and presidents visited with their Senators and Representatives regarding key community college priorities, specifically those included in the economic stimulus package. Major items of discussion included: 1) funding to states for public education; 2) a Pell Grant maximum increase; 3) education infrastructure funds; and 4) a new higher-education tax cut.
“The NLS is an important annual event that allows trustees an opportunity to meet with their federal representatives and explain the importance of community colleges to their states and the nation,” said ACCT President and CEO J. Noah Brown. “Many people are unaware of the vital contributions community colleges make to local workforces in many areas of the country. Investing in community college workforce training programs, repairing and modernizing outdated college infrastructures and providing financial aid to students will yield high returns for the nation.”
About ACCT
The
Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is a non-profit educational
organization of governing boards, representing more than 6,500 elected and
appointed trustees who govern over 1,200 community, technical and junior colleges
in the United States, Canada and England.
The ACCT Web site is www.acct.org.
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