Fee hikes would curb success

Re “Pay more, learn more,” editorial, Feb. 16

With talk of reduced funding next year, increases in student fees would be a double whammy for community colleges: reducing money received from both general appropriation and from declining student attendance, which always drops after fee increases. California’s low fees result in a highly educated workforce prepared to participate in today’s technologically complex careers -- earning more, paying more in taxes and contributing to the state’s overall economy.

After World War II, the G.I. Bill made possible an era of prosperity that has seldom been matched in our country’s history. Today, we should be making it easier to obtain an education, not harder. We should do this because it is a wise investment.

Walt Farran

Los Angeles