Despite fears of a shaky state economy, community colleges came out on the plus side in the Governor’s May Revision of the state budget.
The governor traditionally presents a May revised budget after property and income taxes flow into the state coffers.
The May Revise budget proposes a $115 million current-year increase and a $9 million increase in General Fund and Proposition 98-related funding for California’s Community Colleges. Included in the current year is $32 million to expand and improve career technical educational programs and course offerings. This funding specifically comes out of the Quality Education Investment Act, (SB 1133), legislation that settled the lawsuit that the California Teachers Association won against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after he refused to repay the billions he borrowed from schools. There’s another $50 million for Career Technical Education equipment and $50 million for grants to colleges for nursing programs.
Good sign
“We’re certainly pleased that there will be some increase in the community college budget, this year, and next. It’s s a good sign that the governor is listening to us,” said CCA President Carolyn Inmon.
“At the same time, we will continue to advocate on behalf of part-time faculty. Once again, we call on the governor and Legislature to support office hours, medical benefits and parity for our part-time faculty. We must make sure no faculty is left behind.”
Highlights of the 2007-08 budget includes:
- Increases of $23.6 million for apportionments and $1.6 million for selected categorical programs to reflect an increase in the COLA factor from 4.04 to 4.53 percent.
- An increase of $10 million in the Matriculation program schedule, providing colleges with additional resources to assist students’ progress toward educational goals.
- An increase of $1.9 million for matching grants to assist colleges with ongoing costs for improving the high-speed network.
- Additional $52.7 million in one-time increases from Proposition 98 for deferred maintenance, instructional equipment, hazardous substance abatement, one-time technology costs, and textbook assistance.
On to the Legislature
The May Revise is just the beginning of the end to achieving a budget. It now goes to the Legislature where negotiations may continue over the coming weeks and months.
“Of course, CCA and CTA will continue to work with the Legislature to make sure our community colleges get what they deserve and that access to a quality education is preserved for Calfornia’s students,” Inmon said.