POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) - Southeast Idaho legislators are questioning whether the state needs more community colleges, citing money concerns and pointing out that Idaho State University can train students.

"I think ISU does an absolutely tremendous job in outreach in many rural areas," Sen. Bob Geddes, R-Soda Springs, told the Idaho State Journal. "They're doing it in existing buildings.

"If we decide to expand the community college system, that's fine. But those communities should decide if they want to pay for it."

Currently, Idaho has just two community colleges: the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls and North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene. Only 45 percent of Idaho high schoolers go directly to a college - the fourth-worst rate in the nation - and some blame the relative dearth of more-affordable options.

Geddes said the push for more community colleges is being driven by Boise State University, which he said is looking to expand.

"I think ISU could expand their College of Technology classes in the Treasure Valley," said Rep. Elaine Smith, D-Pocatello.

Some lawmakers are looking to Gov.-elect C.L. "Butch" Otter.

"A lot will depend on how the new governor weighs in," said Rep. Dennis Lake, R-Blackfoot. "Some of the services are costing four-year college prices instead of community college prices."

But lawmakers said community colleges will likely be one of the top education issues when the Legislature convenes in January.

Last spring, lawmakers discussed spending $5 million to establish community colleges in six state regions. The plan never went anywhere despite being backed by some business leaders and members of the state Board of Education.

Over the summer, an interim committee failed to come up with a plan for creating a statewide community college system. Instead, it suggested lowering the threshold for voter approval from two-thirds to 60 percent for creating community college districts.