March 26, 2013
Dear California CC,
The Public Policy Institute of California released a report this morning that documents the budget impact on community colleges in recent years. This paragraph pretty much explains it:
When we measure the state reduction in support on a per student basis, the magnitude of the current budget cuts stands out even more starkly. For example, between 2006–07 and 2011–12, total funds per student (in full-time equivalents) fell by about $1,600 dollars, declining from almost $6,700 to $5,100 (in 2011 dollars). By comparison, during the almost equally severe recession of the early 1990s, support per student declined by less than $700 per student. Total revenues per student have declined to the lowest levels in two decades, matching the previous low established during the severe recession of the early 1990s.
Our community colleges have made wise choices in priorities to accommodate budget reductions, but we can't lose sight of the fact that the largest system of public higher education in the United States has seen unsustainable budget cuts in recent years. We thank the voters for Proposition 30, although the temporary budget solution only backfills about 25% of the $809 million in annual cuts taken, which we have to consistently remind the public and the Legislature.
Sincerely,
Scott Lay
President and Chief Executive Officer
Orange Coast College '94
Community College League of California
2017 O Street, Sacramento, California 95811
916.444.8641 . www.ccleague.org
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