During a recent meeting of the SOU Committee in Maryland, key discussions centered on funding for community colleges and broadband access in rural areas, highlighting significant challenges and opportunities for local education and infrastructure.

The meeting began with a focus on the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), where representatives expressed gratitude for a proposed 4.4% increase in community college funding. However, concerns were raised regarding a potential $1.6 million funding shortfall due to a recalculation of the CADE funding formula, which could negatively impact CSM and the Community College of Baltimore County. CSM officials emphasized the importance of maintaining resources for their growing student population, which has seen double-digit enrollment increases since January 2023. They called for legislative support, including the reinstatement of a hold harmless clause to protect against funding losses.

Transitioning to broadband access, Charlotte Davis, executive director of the Rural Maryland Council, provided an update on the state's efforts to expand broadband infrastructure. She noted that approximately 22,000 households in Maryland still lack access to reliable broadband, which is crucial for education, healthcare, and employment. Davis highlighted the state's investment in addressing these gaps and the creation of a statewide digital infrastructure group aimed at improving connectivity, particularly in rural areas.

Despite these efforts, Davis expressed concerns about the state's ability to secure federal funding through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which is part of President Biden's infrastructure law. She pointed out that Maryland has yet to receive any federal funds under this program, while neighboring Delaware has successfully completed its funding process.

Davis also discussed the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which previously provided subsidies to low-income households for broadband access. She urged legislators to consider similar initiatives to ensure that all Maryland households can afford broadband services, drawing attention to successful models in states like New York and California.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support for broadband projects and funding for regional councils, which have faced budget cuts that could impact entrepreneurship and small business development in Southern Maryland. The Rural Maryland Council plans to open its grant program in April, inviting organizations to apply for funding to support local initiatives.

Overall, the discussions underscored the critical need for sustained investment in education and infrastructure to support Maryland's communities, particularly in light of rising enrollment in community colleges and the ongoing challenges of digital inclusion in rural areas.