Created: 10/28/2008 4:46:12 PM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Community colleges across the state would be able to ask local taxpayers for help if Amendment 8 is approved in the November 4th election.
This past year, community colleges have seen enrollment jump by 50,000 students, but at the same time received $100 million less in state funding.
Dr. Steven Wallace the President of Florida Community College in Jacksonville says he supports the amendment.
"Through the downturn we have not turned away a single student and it is really placing a strain on our budget," said Wallace.
FCCJ in the past five years has seen its enrollment of full and part time students jump by nearly 20,000. State funding during that same period increased about $5 million, but has been subject to cuts the last two years.
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Carl Fuoco is a part time FCCJ student who was unaware of Amendment 8, but says for him community college is the most "affordable" option.
Unlike state universities, community colleges get a lump sum amount from the state and funding is not based on student enrollment.
This year, FCCJ is receiving $70 million dollars from the state. Wallace says community colleges are being told prepare for two more rounds of cuts in the coming months.
Amendment 8, if approved, would allow counties served by a community college to vote on a sales tax. FCCJ serves both Duval and Nassau Counties.
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