Re “Public aid for private colleges targeted’’ (Page A1, May 16): As chairman of the Massachusetts Community Colleges Council of Presidents, it’s great to see attention being given to this matter. We welcome the efforts of state Representative Christopher M. Markey to address the equity issue attached to the MASSGrant distribution. When considering how to invest limited public funds, the Legislature needs to be mindful of the value proposition our community colleges and state universities provide Massachusetts’ students and their families.

When we consider 92,000 total state grants a year, of an average of $650, that becomes transformational to these students in terms of support toward their tuition and fees. Further, compared with graduates of private institutions, a higher percentage of community college and state university graduates remain in the state to support our workforce. The benefits of the state’s investment through these grants should remain here as well.

Finally, consider the advantages that are provided to the institutions that maintain large endowments while, as a matter of public policy, they forgo taxation on their earnings and gains. The use of state funds to subsidize their students is a continuation of public subsidy of high-priced education.

Changing the public policy would be a benefit to many students and families across Massachusetts, allowing MASSGrants to provide greater support of public higher education, transforming the lives of students, allowing more students to graduate without debt, and expanding the reach among more students.

John Cox

President

Cape Cod Community College

West Barnstable