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Senator tours FSCC
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R- Kansas, spent about an hour touring Fort Scott Community College and talking to school officials Wednesday.
Arriving with only a representative from his Pittsburg office, Moran shook hands and introduced himself to the small group from the college that welcomed him, including President Clayton Tatro and Board of Trustees member Mark McCoy. Dean of Instruction Donna Estill and Dean of Finance and Operations Karla Farmer were also present.
The visit was arranged by Moran's office, and he drove here himself.
"Whatever you'd like me to see, whatever you'd like me to know," Moran said to Tatro, "I'm interested in what you have to tell me and what you'd like to show me."
Half the visit was spent in a board meeting room with Tatro and Moran engaging each other in conversations about issues affecting community colleges in Kansas, specifically Southeast Kansas. Moran told Tatro he is the one to talk to about matters such as Pell grants and vocational and technical education programs.
Moran is a member of the Appropriations Commtitee and Education Subcommittee, as well as six other subcommittees, including Agirculture and Labor.
Tatro spoke to Moran about community college federal initiatives and stressed the importance of keeping Pell grants. Tatro said 70 to 80 percent of students at FSCC rely on federal grants and aid.
"We need to keep the grants going because these programs really matter to us," Tatro said. "We're an occupational college and federal initiatives are really important to us."
Tatro said about 30 to 35 percent of FSCC general budget is made up of federal money.
In today's environment in Washington, D.C., and Congress, Moran said, there are "no earmarks" -- provisions that direct funds to specific projects, references said.
The best he can do is try and encourage "the grant to be awarded," Moran said. "But perhaps more importantly is to make sure that the money is appropriated for the programs that actually benefit Kansans."
The Plainville native said he believes "we over-emphasize university education in Kansas and under-emphasize technical and community college education and life-long learning.
"I want to make certain that I understand the issues you face at a community college," Moran said.
"We're talking to the right guy," Tatro said. "Do us a favor and don't ever switch communities."
Tuition increases and relationships with other Kansas community colleges were also discussed.
After the conversation, Tatro led Moran to the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center where the senator viewed the theater and Gordon Parks Museum. Moran even brought up the idea of showcasing Gordon Parks memorabilia in his Washington office.
The tour concluded with the group driving across the street to the National Guard Amory. Tatro explained FSCC's agriculture plan concept and the vision of having a meat science lab and event center.
Moran's FSCC stopover is one of a series the lawmaker is making in his effort to "get aquainted with the community colleges" he knows less about.
He's toured Neosho County Community College, Independence Community College, Highland Community College and community colleges in Kansas City, Kan.
"Rural America matters and if we are not careful we are going to lose it," Moran said. "I look for ways to fight for laws for rural America."