Now that Governor Jerry Brown has released the May Revision to the 2018-19 California State Budget proposal, a flurry of changes to the newly proposed apportionments will unfold over the next four weeks. In the meantime, last Friday’s release of the May Revise brings into focus key policy details for higher education. A substantial increase over January’s revenue projections translates to some additional spending for higher education. Once again, the California Community Colleges has emerged as the clear winner in the effort to secure additional resources. Beyond funding, Governor Brown appears to have given careful consideration to policy issues impacting the CCC and those served by the system.
We commend Governor Brown for being responsive to feedback and concerns surrounding the California Online Community College and the Student-Focused Funding Formula.
“Governor Brown’s decision to allocate $685,000 to integrate the CCC’s course numbering system is a tangible step toward building a streamlined process for students who have been challenged in the past by a fractured system,” said California Competes Executive Director Dr. Lande Ajose. Dr. Ajose also recognized the meaningful changes evident in this May Revision. “We commend Governor Brown for being responsive to feedback and concerns surrounding the California Online Community College and the Student-Focused Funding Formula,” she said. “While it is unfortunate that equity-based funding has been slightly reduced, we are pleased that the population served by the formula has been expanded to include more adult learners. These Californians have a great need for higher education.”
Highlights covered in California Competes’ new analysis include:
- Programmatic details for the California Online Community College, the Student-Focused Funding Formula, and Categorical Program Consolidation;
- Cal Grant awards for private, non-profit colleges; and
- A slight increase for the University of California and no increase for the California State University, plus additional funds for infrastructure spending.
Read our full analysis from Policy and Research Analyst Taylor Myers.
