NSCC board joins local chorus opposing Question 1

LYNN – On a day when Gov. Deval Patrick sliced hundreds of millions of dollars from the state budget, another North Shore group is speaking out in opposition of a ballot question that could make the budget deficit even worse.The North Shore Community College Board of Directors released a statement Wednesday joining a growing group of both public and private entities against Question 1 next month.Question 1 would first reduce and then repeal the state income tax, eliminating billions of dollars that is used annually to fund public services such as public safety and education.Patrick’s cuts this week could mean a decline in funding that would lead to hikes in tuition at state-funded colleges and universities such as NSCC, and board members fear the loss of the state’s income tax will force the school to increase fees and cut services for students.”Most of our students work at least part-time,” said Chair of the Board of Trustees Barry Ginsberg. “Many also receive financial aid. If NSCC is hit with even more cuts because of Question 1, many families will no longer be able to afford the higher education and training they need for today’s jobs.”NSCC receives nearly $25 million annually from the state in direct appropriation – about half of the college’s annual revenues supporting faculty, staff and programs.”Public higher education has already suffered some of the first and most severe state cutbacks,” said Ginsberg. “I would not be overstating the facts by saying the loss of state support – nearly 50 percent of NSCC’s budget – would threaten the ability to meet its mission.”North Shore Community College is the fourth largest community college in the state and the 18th largest among all Massachusetts colleges and universities. It has seen continuous record-breaking enrollment at both the Lynn and Beverly campus, in part because of the ever-increasing cost of education at private colleges.This fall semester, 7,223 students signed up for credit classes and many will transfer those credits to four-year colleges and universities. In total, NSCC serves over 15,000 students per year.”Our students live in our region and most continue to live and work in our region after studying at NSCC. They work in health fields, environmental, biotech and other science fields, all kinds of business – you name it,” said Ginsberg. “Because NSCC is so affordable at $125 per credit, it makes a college education at four-year colleges affordable as well.”The Lynn School Committee, Lynn Teachers Union and many other organizations across the city have already vowed to vote against Question 1, and Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. has estimated the change would cost the city over $16 million in state aid if passed.Those who support the bill insist that more money in the pockets of residents will boost the economy and the loss of income tax would abolish over-funded programs that are no longer working at the state level.