Community and technical colleges in Washington have increased tuition by 47 percent since the 2008-2009 school year, largely in response to reduced support from our state Legislature.

When adjusted for inflation, our state budget now provides 23 percent less funding each year for community and technical colleges than it did six years ago. Green River College and its peer institutions are in urgent need of the funding to allow us to continue to provide affordable training and education to our state’s workforce.

Cuts in funding to higher education in Washington are a disservice to the people of our state. Last year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published data that illustrated how people who have earned a college degree will receive better wages and have lower unemployment than their counterparts who have not attained a degree.

A college degree has become essential to workers in today’s economy. It is the only means of ensuring a livable wage and consistent employment.

It benefits all of us to see higher education funded at the level endorsed by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The funds requested during this legislative biennium will ensure that we are able to provide basic education for adult learners and allow low-wage earning adults to train for higher-income, high-demand careers. It will fund advising and career planning on campuses to assist students in graduating on time so that they can join the workforce without incurring burdensome student loan debt that will prove detrimental to our state’s economy. And, it will fund a rapid-response fund that will allow colleges to work with community businesses to provide training and assistance when local business needs emerge.

These goals will benefit the colleges and the communities they serve. With more people joining the workforce, community and technical colleges can ensure greater prosperity for all of Washington. Our two-year colleges can help strengthen our communities with highly-trained individuals who can provide a greater contribution to the area in which they live.

Students, however, are not the only members of our college communities that require legislative attention during this session. Without faculty and staff, a college simply cannot function.

In the state of Washington, faculty and professional staff have foregone a salary increase since 2008. Gov. Jay Inslee has requested $28 million in state funding to be provided for compensation increases for faculty and staff, supported by tuition funds.

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is also requesting $10.2 million for salary increases for faculty who complete professional development courses to ensure they are bringing the most current knowledge and expertise into the classroom.

At Green River, our dedicated faculty and professional staff have worked through this lack of funding with unwavering support for our students. It is often said that good deeds are their own reward, but it is only fair that our faculty is compensated for their work in a way that reflects their support of the college and the service we provide to students and the community.

Green River College needs your support to realize these goals. Let your state senators and representatives know that you support funding higher education this legislative session.

Let them know that you want a stronger workforce for Washington to fuel our rebounding economy and advance state educational goals. Let them know how important Green River Community College is to the people in the communities that we serve.

Please take a moment to call or write to your legislator and tell them that you support funding higher education. Tell them about your friends, neighbors and relatives whose lives have been impacted by Green River College, or its fellow community and technical colleges in Washington. Let your legislators know that our college is here to serve your community, and should not be expected to do it alone. We are calling on your support to ensure that Green River College can continue to provide high-quality educational opportunities for years to come.

To share your views on higher education, the state budget or other matters before the legislature, contact your local legislators. You can find them at: app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/

Dr. Eileen Ely is president of Green River College. Pete Lewis, former Auburn mayor, is chair of the college’s board of trustees.