The heads of California’s three higher education systems are lobbying Governor Jerry Brown and state lawmakers to change their budget priorities.
California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott joined the UC president and CSU chancellor at the Capitol today. “Unfortunately, we are experiencing almost death by 1,000 cuts. So we want to make our case very clear to the legislature and to the governor. We want them to realize that the future of California is at stake," said Scott.
CSU Chancellor Charlie Reed says the state should put $100 million of anticipated savings in California’s prison system into higher education.
All three leaders are urging voters to approve the governor’s proposed November tax initiative. If it fails, the UC system would likely raise tuition again. The CSU system would reduce its enrollment. And community colleges would have to cut courses in the middle of the academic year.