The state has not provided substantial funds to build and maintain facilities at state colleges and universities for a decade. But the senate is working on a proposal that reaches back a couple of decades that could help alleviate the problem.
For many years, community colleges relied on their communities for much of their funding and capital needs. The state started picking up those costs in the 90s. Senator Tim Green of Spanish Lake says that only aggravates the decade-long problem the state has had providing money for upkeep and maintenance of existing buildings or construction needed new ones.
The senate has advanced his idea letting the state provide matching funds for schools that raise money from their communities.
The bill goes to the House with one more favorable vote.