State law requires that the budget for state colleges and universities be adjusted every two years for changes in enrollment. When our enrollment drops, our budget is reduced; and when it grows, as it has in the past three years, it is supposed to be adjusted upward.

Three times out of the last four budget cycles, the state colleges and universities have reimbursed the state general fund because enrollment fell short of projections. This year, however, after five consecutive years of significant system growth, the college and universities are due a budget adjustment of $130.8 million. These funds are used for educational programs and student services for the additional students attending our colleges and universities.

The difference between the governor's proposed budget and the enrollment adjustment amounts to a cut of $23.3 million to the budgets of the state colleges and universities, including Central Lakes College.

Providing access to higher education is central to the mission of Central Lakes College and the other Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. This is funding critically needed to educate the additional students our colleges and universities have been serving since 2003. Withholding those funds breaks the promise the state has made to support public higher education.

Editor's note: Joe Birmingham is the President of Central Lakes College.