|
March 2004 was
business as usual for California as voters resoundingly approved two
ballot measures that would borrow our way out of trouble and not yet
confront the real choices facing our state.
Props. 57 and 58 were well-funded and well-promoted by Gov.
Schwarzenegger along with prominent Democrats who knew there was no
other way to prevent even more severe cuts than those already proposed
for education, health and human services.
The real budget "day of reckoning" remains in the future, and GCC has
the comfort of knowing that the current budget plans for our college
remain in place for now. Of course, the legislative budget process is
just beginning, and many community college leaders hope to trim the
proposed $26 fee down a few dollars before the budget process comes to a
close. Other than that battle, most of the community college budget
problems remain as always: getting our fair share of Prop. 98 funds,
protecting categorical programs, and advancing the status and
compensation of adjunct faculty.
The big loss was Prop. 56, which would have changed the legislative
majority for passing a budget from 2/3 to 55 percent, thus making a
timely budget much more likely. Its resounding failure can be laid at
the door of big business interests who ran brilliant ads denouncing the
measure as a way to "raise taxes."
On the statewide education bond measure, Prop. 55, voters gave it just
enough to pass (50.06 percent) and while GCC will not directly benefit,
many other CC districts get matching funds to help with their local bond
construction projects. Prop. 55 also maintains the momentum of
construction and renovation for K-12, CSU and UC campuses around the
state.
As usual, the election brought both good and bad news for community
colleges. Students and college employees concerned about fee increases
and other budget issues will head to Sacramento March 15 for the "March
in March" which is projected to bring thousands of students to show
lawmakers and the governor how much we care about access and quality in
our colleges.
&
Back to top |