STAFF EDITORIAL

Get dollar increase in student fee approved before it’s too late
The district board meeting next week is unlikely to hear from the student body regarding a student activity fee increase. What has been described as a very thorough student senate, who have become known to ask lots of questions, voted to send the proposal to committee Wednesday.

Although the senate has every right to tie the increase up in committee, and analyze the proposal before passing it on to the board, members should be aware that waiting too long could prevent the increase from passing. Last Saturday the board heard from the college president that they must consider a tuition increase. This, coupled with the 50 cent increase in the technology fee approved last month, will diminish the likelihood that such an increase will be in the student body’s collective future.

We can only hope that the residual enthusiasm and energy drummed up in support of this increase doesn’t fade out like a dim bulb. The Student Activites Board and Associated Student Government are all buzzing, but what happens when they all move on to other projects, and the student body hears that all they can expect from MHCC is less money in their pockets?

The board is likely to approve less then what is asked for, regardless of the amount. They can approve any amount they wish. Not asking for the $1 increase seems silly. The board, depending on the strength of the case presented, is unlikely to approve an increase of this size, so why not go for the gold? Shooting lower only guarantees a lower increase.