A proposed community college has been met with both support and opposition in Erie County-and money is a large issue in the debate.
Tax dollars, gaming revenue and federal money are clearly some of the approaches to take to fund a community college.
"The county council does not want to use tax money and want to find other ways of raising money," said Bob Spaulding, director of Economic Development for Erie County.
Gamblers may provide a source of revenue for the community college. State Sen. Jane Earll proposed an amendment to take 2 percent of proceeds from table games to help to fund the community college. The bill has been passed through the Senate; now it is up to the State House. Spaulding believes $1 million dollars annually would be provided from the gaming revenue. Table games will likely come to the Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Summit Township.
In Earll's proposal, the county has four years to get the project underway. Spaulding said supporters of the school need to find sponsors. If the college is not established in that time frame, the money that has been accumulated from the casinos will be used toward economic development projects.
The community college has been a big issue in the race for Erie County executive. Democrat Barry Grossman supports a community college, while his opponent, Republican Mike Kerner, believes it will cost taxpayers. Kerner also said during a political forum at Edinboro University that jobs will not follow a community college.
Whether for or against a community college, Erie's poverty level cannot be argued. According to U.S. Census Bureau 24.2 percent of Erie residents are living below the poverty line. Average tuition of Pennsylvania community colleges is $2,500. Anyone with a high school diploma can attend.
Between federal funds and the revenue from the casino, many believe the community college can be funded. Spaulding said stimulus money President Barack Obama has set aside could go toward the school. Grossman believes, too, federal money can be used.
"Philanthropy is another means to fund a community college but none of that is out there," said Spaulding.
Economic development group Rethink Erie strongly supports a community college. They are conducting research so an application for a local school can be submitted.
Spaulding believes that, by early 2010, the county will know more about its chances of opening a community college. According to Rethink Erie, northwestern Pennsylvania supports the other 14 Pennsylvania community colleges through its tax revenues.
Politicians of both sides of the spectrum and research developers will have their work cut out to determine on how to fund a community college.
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