For the first time, California community colleges are receiving the respect and resources they deserve. That is why I was so disappointed to see a picture of a community college student holding a sign saying "Go Home, Arnold" with a March 16 article about Modesto Junior College students attending a rally to support community colleges in Sacramento. This student should come to MJC to participate in our tolerance program and study the factual background about community college funding.

Gov. Schwarzenegger isn't simply raising fees and cutting state aid as previous administrations did. He is increasing state funds to community colleges by more than $150 million per year. And the fee increases (which remain the lowest in the nation) will enable students to qualify for the maximum Pell Grant, thereby ending the state's inadvertent subsidy to the federal government. As columnist Dan Walters noted, "Community colleges are finally getting some recognition for their cost-effectiveness, along with the cash that such recognition brings."

TOM HALLINAN

Trustee, Yosemite Community College District

Oakdale