In an attempt to combat an unprecedented $41.6 billion state deficit, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger passed a new budget Friday, which should help alleviate City College of its budgetary difficulties.
“Overall, this is a positive outcome considering the magnitude of the fiscal crisis we’re trying to deal with,” Superintendent-President Andreea Serban said.
Community colleges received more money than expected, and therefore fared better than other state departments. However some major issues still remain, Serban said.
The budget may make significant cuts in Proposition 98 funding, which guarantees the minimum annual funding levels for City College.
The State Chancellors office is currently working with the Department of Finance to try and figure out how large these cuts will be, Serban said.
“We will probably know within a week or two, it’s still very unclear,” Serban said, in regards to when the final numbers are to be released.
The new budget will not pay for the 0.68 percent cost-of-living allowance originally agreed upon earlier this fiscal year.
It does not, however, look like the previously proposed 1.9 percent salary reduction will take place, since the state did not cut the 3 percent from the general fund it had planned for.
“Nobody likes to have salary a reduction, right?” Academic Senate President Ignacio Alarcon said, in regards to the previously proposed plan.
The State also decided to maintain funding for the Competitive Cal Grants Program, which helps thousands of low-income students with their finances.
“I think low-income people need schooling more than anyone in order to better themselves,” said freshman graphic design student Justin Price.
Serban praised the decision calling it “excellent” and saying that she thinks the governor deserves recognition for keeping the Cal Grants program in place.
“Another thing that’s good for students is no fee increases,” Serban said in reference to the $20 per unit fee that residents pay for classes.
“I don’t feel increases are a good idea,” City College student Raj Kapoor said.
Price had a different perspective though.
“I think $20 and $40 are still pretty cheap if you consider books,” Price said.
In the next fiscal year the state will pay for a 3-percent enrollment growth, which could fund up to 36,000 new students across the state.
A measure is to be placed on the scheduled May 19 statewide ballot, which would provide K-12 and community colleges with an additional $9.3 billion in funds over seven years beginning in 2011.
“This is a bonus feature, an infusion of new funding that would definitely be helpful,” Serban said.
Serban did reiterate that this funding is not necessary for the school to stay afloat, but would nevertheless gladly welcome the extra money.
Alarcon placed a higher emphasis on the measure, saying that it is important that the measure passes, or City College may be back at square one.
The state will also delay payments for the College, which is why the college has to “continue to be real careful with our expenditures,” Serban said.