May 2020-21 Budget Revision Analysis
May Revise shows COVID-19’s impact on higher education but offers policies to support economic recovery.
While Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2020-21 May Revision offers a sharp contrast to the funding proposal he produced in January, California Competes appreciates the governor’s continued commitment to funding financial aid programs, especially those for traditionally underserved adults and student parents.
“While it’s unfortunate to see the cuts made to higher education, we are encouraged that, philosophically, Governor Newsom recognizes the structural inequities that existed before COVID-19 and is attempting to address them even during the pandemic,” said California Competes Executive Director Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez. “The state can still improve student access to and success in higher education in these challenging times.”
…we are encouraged that, philosophically, Governor Newsom recognizes the structural inequities that existed before COVID-19 and is attempting to address them even during the pandemic.
Dr. Su Jin Gatlin Jez
The revised budget proposal outlines key expectations for the University of California, the California State University, and the California Community Colleges which closely align with California Competes’ 2020 priorities including:
- Adopting policies that better enable underrepresented students interested in job reskilling to enroll in college courses and programs;
- Expanding opportunities for competency-based education (CBE) and credit for prior learning (CPL); and
- Improving the quality of online educational opportunities that are broadly accessible.
“Higher education must seize this moment to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of all Californians—especially those who have been shut out of our colleges and universities for too long,” Dr. Jez said. As an organization founded in the midst of the Great Recession, California Competes is adept at constructing fiscally pragmatic policy recommendations that rely more heavily on innovation than investment. “We stand ready to support our leaders in government, education, and business as they collaborate in new ways to lead California toward a better future.”
To read further May Revision analysis from California Competes, click here.
