Shawnee Already Hit Hard by State's Financial Woes

06/25/09

           Tough economic times aren't coming, they are already here, says Dr. Larry Peterson, president of Shawnee Community College.

The state is currently behind $1.8 million in money it owes the college. The college was owed $2.5 million until last week when State Senator Gary Forby (D-Benton) worked to get $700,000 in state emergency funding released so the college could make payroll.

"I hear a lot of people talking about what is going to happen, I am more concerned about what is already happening," Peterson said. "I hear difficult times are coming, but we are already experiencing them."

Tiffiney Ryan, the college's chief financial officer, said the college is looking at every possible expenditure cut to keep from laying off any institutionally funded employees.

In the meanwhile, Peterson said it is important that college employees understand how the state's current financial picture is affecting the college. "I am encouraging everyone to pull together and work as one so that we might see our way through the problem we are facing right now," Peterson said.

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