Senate votes to keep Meriden college campus open

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HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A bill blocking efforts to close a community college branch in Meriden because of anticipated state budget cuts has cleared the state Senate.

Besides preventing the closure of the Middlesex Community College satellite campus, the bill requires future legislative approval to close any higher education campus or manufacturing program. It now moves to the House of Representatives for final legislative action.

The bill stems from the Board of Regents' decision last week to close the campus and a manufacturing firm in response to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's proposed budget. Meriden Democratic Sen. Dante Bartolomeo (Bar-toh-low-MAY'-oh), leader of the higher education committee, said she received no advanced notice. She said 638 students would be adversely affected.

Republican Sen. Toni Boucher (Boo-SHAY) said the bill sends a "big message" to state officials.