Colleges voice qualms over Bush budget. (dateline washington).(Pres. George W. Bush)

On the heels of the Bush administration's release of its 2004 budget, community college leaders meeting in Washington, D.C., expressed dismay over the plan's agenda for higher-education spending.

At a forum during the Community College National Legislative Summit, college leaders outlined an ambitious legislative agenda that includes a $500 elevation of the Pell grant ceiling and a new federal program focused on the role of two-year colleges in teacher training.

The White House 2004 budget plan offers no increase in the maximum Pell grant and level funding or restructuring in other areas.

With state budgets in decline and more needy students than ever …