Community college leaders warn CADE funding changes will force cuts and raise tuition

Tanya Zimmerman of the Department of Legislative Services presented the Aid to Community Colleges analysis, showing the FY2025 allowance would be $9.9 million lower than FY2024 and that a contingent $22.6 million reduction in the BRFA scenario would occur if the BRFAA changes the CADE formula.

Sanjay Rai, acting secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission, told the subcommittee community colleges are a vital entry point to careers and that funding changes deserve careful study. He said CADE funding reached the statutory maximum in FY23 and summarized several technical changes the BRFA language would make, including removing the hold-harmless provision and changing the statutory percentage of state funding per FTE from 29% to 26.5 percent in some scenarios.

College leaders and witnesses warned of immediate consequences for students and institutions. Brad Phillips (Maryland Association of Community Colleges) asked lawmakers to reject BRFAA changes that would permanently rebase funding and to include colleges in policy development. Hagerstown Community College officials said enrollment surged 55 percent this year and that the Blueprint's tuition waivers for dual-enrolled students (25% waiver for dual credit) mean colleges already forego revenue; a CADE reduction would force colleges to either raise tuition on other undergraduates or cut services, placing disproportionate burdens on low-income students.

Faculty, staff unions and program directors described local impacts: small programs such as sign-language interpreting and critical workforce training (EMS, paramedics) could be cut; student supports including child-development centers, satellite campus offerings, and tutoring have been previously reduced and are vulnerable to further cuts; witnesses urged revenue options and collaboration instead of across-the-board cuts.

DLS recommended a committee narrative requesting MAC submit a report on developmental education strategies and asked for technical clarifications; the committee signaled it would work with stakeholders to find a solution but made no commitment to full restoration of funding during this session.