BOSTON—At a time when an increasing number of Bay State residents are seeking the more affordable higher education community colleges provide, Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, a self-described weed-whacker, lives up to that moniker by slashing the all-important capital budgets for campuses across Massachusetts.

The Republican Baker administration dedicated $53 million less to higher education this year compared to last year under a Democratic governor, including a $12.7 million reduction for community colleges – institutions that help working students and students who have families.

“A budget is a declaration of priorities and Republican Gov. Charlie Baker’s recent slashes to higher education – specifically cutting capital funding to community colleges – makes clear providing an affordable education to working Massachusetts families is not a priority of his administration,” said Mass Dems Spokesman Pat Beaudry. “As Republican Baker makes these severe cuts to affordable higher education, voters are seeing more evidence that this Republican only sees numbers on a spread sheet rather than the people affected by his policies. Voters must once again ask themselves what kind of future for our Commonwealth the Governor envisions if he makes it harder for working class families to obtain higher education.”

A complete list of cuts made to Higher Education can be found below. Of note, Republican Baker’s cuts include entirely eliminating capital funding for Bunker Hill Community College, Greenfield Community College, Massachusetts Bay Community College, and Massasoit Community College.

Shortly after Gov. Baker’s inauguration, the Massachusetts Democratic Party launched its #PromisesWatch campaign to hold the Baker administration accountable to its promises and pledges.