March 9
On February 27, state legislators and aides gathered at North Shore Community College (NSCC) for the College’s Annual Legislative Briefing. During the event, President William Heineman presented alongside leadership from the College’s chapter of the Massachusetts Community College Council: Torrey Dukes, Sara Hilinski, and Bethany Croteau. They underscored the need for continued support for students, faculty, and staff, as the College continues to grow. Enrollment at NSCC has increased by more than 50 percent between 2022 and 2025.
The annual briefing focused on the legislative priorities for the Commonwealth’s fiscal year 2027 budget, which will take effect July 1. The College advocated for:
- Increased faculty and professional staff compensation
- Increased funding for the Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services (SUCCESS) fund, which supports student completion
- Maintaining Free Community College and its support for books and supplies
- The BRIGHT Act, pending legislation that would allow higher education institutions to upgrade their facilities
Thank you Senator Joan Lovely, Senator Brendan Crighton, Representative Sean Reid, Representative Hannah Bowen, Representative Tom Walsh, Representative Sally Kerans, and members of Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Dan Cahill's office for taking time to join us.