County commissioners, state legislators, federal representatives, Johnston Community College (JCC) faculty and staff, and representatives from the state community college system attended JCC's annual legislative breakfast on Monday, January 12, according to a press release.

Political leaders heard reports of budget reductions during record spring enrollment across the state's community colleges.

JCC is up nearly 300 students this spring - a 9-percent increase - over last year, the press release said.

JCC president Don Reichard and Board of Trustees chair Lyn Austin encouraged legislators to recognize the need for additional funding to serve a growing student body even in lean budget years.

"We have always maintained our open-door mission and don't want to turn any student away," Reichard said. "We can't just stop graduating highly-skilled workers as we live through a recession."

County commissioner chairman Wade Stewart praised the college's success, pointing out the excellence of JCC's nursing and health and emergency services training. Stewart vowed to continue to support the College during the tough economic year ahead.

Guests also saw a presentation on the community college system's new "Creating Success" campaign, which seeks additional funding to pay for health sciences and technical programs, updated technology, more customized training programs, and higher salaries for faculty and staff.