Over the last four years funding for institutions of higher learning in Mississippi has dropped 20%. However, enrollment at them has steadily increased. Faced with the challenge of doing more with less, Meridian Community College president, Dr. Scott Elliott says he's hopeful that state lawmakers will not cut funding next year.

"I'm optimistic because it seems the tax revenues in Mississippi are coming in right now, actually ahead of schedule. I believe in June alone we were up something like $58 million. So, at least that's a positive premise at which to start a new legislative session. "

The new legislative session in Mississippi will start in January.