Community colleges are a powerful force for Washington’s economy, if legislature funds them - BARBARA ROFKAR, Bellingham Herald

The community and technical college system is asking the Legislature for a $200 million investment in the operating budget for all 34 colleges. The investment would help produce the diverse talent pool needed to fill thousands of jobs and grow Washington’s economy. These investments would ripple throughout Whatcom County’s economy. And, without these funds, WCC will not be able to as effectively serve our community, our students and our local businesses. Equally important, our colleges need to keep buildings and training facilities up-to-date. Today’s budget for maintenance and construction projects at community and technical colleges is 48 percent lower than the recession-era budget. http://www.bellinghamherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article148764719.html