MCC Daily Tribune
Federal Budget Developments and MCC's Ongoing Preparedness
As we approach the midpoint of the year, I want to share an important update regarding the federal budget process and provide a brief overview. The budgetary process can significantly influence how funding levels and priorities are set across a range of federal programs, including those that impact higher education. Monroe Community College continues to prepare and adapt to this dynamic environment.
Federal Budget
The House of Representatives passed its version of the budget bill, and the Senate is now crafting its own. You may have heard the term 'reconciliation' in connection with the current budget process. Reconciliation is a parliamentary procedure that allows certain budget-related legislation to advance more swiftly through the Senate by requiring only a simple majority vote rather than the usual 60-vote threshold.
Conference Committee
If the House and Senate pass different versions of the reconciliation bill, a conference committee of members from both chambers is formed. The committee negotiates to resolve differences and produces a conference report (a final compromise version). Both chambers must then vote again on the conference report. It must be approved without amendments—up-or-down vote only.
Final Passage
Once both the House and Senate pass identical text, the reconciliation bill is finalized.
Presidential Action
The finalized bill is sent to the President, who can sign it into law or veto it (Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers).
Funding and MCC
We have all noted the impact of Federal actions to date on three MCC grant-funded programs – terminating the AmeriCorps program, the Bridges to Baccalaureate transfer program, and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program. These unexpected grant terminations are deeply disappointing in that they directly impact four dedicated employees, as well as all of the programs’ participants and partnering organizations.
Key departments across MCC continue to closely monitor potential impacts on student aid, grant programs, and international student services. The Federal budget bill will likely bring more program reductions, but the process is not over yet, so we will hear many iterations in the news over the coming weeks.
On a positive note, New York State passed a budget with increased funding for SUNY institutions at $15.3 billion, including set-asides specifically for community colleges, as well as the new free community college for adult learners' program, SUNY Reconnect. This progressive program furthers MCC's vision and mission of championing equity and transforming lives.
MCC Advocacy
Understandably, the uncertainty surrounding the federal budget, along with other federal actions, has been unsettling for many of our employees and students. Please know that MCC's administration is taking proactive steps to understand and determine the best path forward. We are collaborating with our labor and shared governance partners, as well as external partners across the public and private sectors.
As President of MCC, I continue to advocate strongly for our College community at the local, state, and national levels. Recently, I wrote to Representative Morelle, D-NY, and Representative Tenney, R-NY, sharing our concerns about the budget reconciliation and appropriation processes currently under consideration in Congress. The proposed elimination of Pell Grant eligibility for "less than half time" students, would deny aid to students enrolled in fewer than 7.5 credits, eliminating support for many working adults, caregivers, and first time learners—exactly the populations community colleges are designed to serve. At MCC, the proposed changes to Pell could result in a loss of $2,152,808, representing the total amount Pell paid out to students taking fewer than eight credit hours. Approximately 1400 students, taking eight credit hours or less, receive Pell Grants. In addition, the redefining of full time enrollment to 15 credits would reduce aid to hundreds of students. Currently, more than 500 MCC students are taking 12 credit hours per semester and receiving the maximum Pell amount; the proposed change could result in a loss of over $800,000 for this group.
This month, I am pleased to begin my service on the board of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the primary advocacy organization for the nation's community colleges. The association represents more than 1,000 2-year associate degree-granting institutions and nearly 12 million students. This role provides me with a direct platform for policy development and advocacy at the national level. In addition, I have expressed interest in serving on the AACC's public policy committee, where I can help shape Federal advocacy on behalf of our nation's community colleges. And make no mistake—I fully intend to leverage this position to elevate MCC's advocacy to new heights. The work of the FCRC supports these efforts by providing the information and analysis we need to advocate effectively and responsibly.
I extend my sincere gratitude to all members of the FCRC and the entire College community for your continued dedication to our students and one another. As we face the challenges and uncertainties before us, we do so with strength, clarity, and a shared commitment to our mission.
DeAnna Burt-Nanna
Office of the President
06/09/2025