We applaud the innovation of Governor Brown’s $131.7 billion budget, but concerns about capacity for enrollment remain.
The spending plan proposed on Wednesday increased funding for all higher education segments. While the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems see a modest increase, the budget provides significant funds for several new student success opportunities—the lion’s share of which would go to California Community Colleges. LEARN MORE >>
Highlights from Governor Brown’s 2018-2019 budget:
- A 3.5 percent increase in General Fund expenditures for higher education
- The creation of the 115th California Community College, which will be completely online
- A new funding formula for California Community College Districts that rewards investments in degree completion and serving low-income students
- Increased investments in Career and Technical Education and the Adult Education Block Grant
- Consolidation of two student success initiatives and increased funding for full-time attendance
- Sustained investment in innovation awards at the California Community Colleges
It’s good to see deep investments in our community colleges, not only because they are under-resourced, but also because they have the greatest number of folks poised to make immediate contributions to our economy.
Lande Ajose, PhD, Executive Director, California Competes
Although UC and the CSU would receive funding increases under the proposal, both segments said in statements that the funding levels were far lower than what is needed to sustain progress of increased freshman and transfer enrollment goals. Preparing students for current and future workforce opportunities in the innovation economy is a key lynchpin in the state’s success and the prosperity of all Californians. In 2018, California Competes urges policymakers to prioritize clear, affordable, and achievable pathways to earning degrees and certificates that directly improve the economy and build better lives and communities.
Read our full analysis on the impact of the Governor’s budget on higher education.
