Governor’s budget may give colleges millions

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has unveiled a proposed budget to close the budget gap while maintaining education, but community colleges are still facing cuts.

The budget would close a $19.9-billion budget gap by reducing costs and streamlining government. The budget for education would include money for increased enrollment but cuts for certain programs.

At the Coast Community College District, which serves Golden West College in Huntington Beach, the proposed budget was met with mixed reactions.

“We are cautiously optimistic with the budget,” said Golden West spokeswoman Margie Bunten.

The proposed budget would keep tuition at $26 a unit.

The budget would also give $126 million to community colleges statewide for enrollment growth and $39.3 million to make up for expected revenue losses, according to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

The Cal Grant program, which gives students grants for textbooks, transportation and supplies if they meet certain eligibility requirements, would be eliminated.

Further cuts to certain categorical programs, including Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, which help low-income and educationally disadvantaged students, would also be made.

Coast Community College District board trustee Jim Moreno called the proposed budget “a train wreck.” Moreno said cuts are being made in the wrong places and that education is being overlooked. The problems facing education are systemic and will require a hard look, Moreno said.

“It’s very basic. If we want to be a state that is open to improvement and helping our youth, then we need to be open to spending money on education,” Moreno said.

— Britney Barnes