May 14, 2021
Contact: Melissa Villarin
Office: 916-327-5365
Office E-mail: MVillarin@CCCCO.edu

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley issued the following statement on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised budget proposal for 2021-22:

“The Governor’s revised budget plan leverages an historic level of revenue to create lasting opportunities for community college students and will power the economic recovery that makes our state stronger and more equitable. Gov. Newsom’s plan recognizes the vital role of community colleges and invests in students through direct grants, enhancements to support services, workforce training, diversity equity and inclusion programs, college affordability and improved financial footing for our colleges. As California roars back from the pandemic, community colleges will help lead the way.”

 Oakley cited key Investments in the budget revision include:

  • Students First -- This budget proposal puts students first. Community college students have been the most affected population in higher education during the pandemic, and this budget helps by investing in direct emergency aid.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion -- The pandemic era’s health, economic, and civic crises reinforce the need to advance our work to end systemic racism. Investments in the budget would advance diverse hiring across our 116 colleges.
  • Jobs -- With an inclusive mission and quality programs, this proposal recognizes that no other system can help put California back to work in the emerging fields of the future like California Community Colleges can.
  • Affordability -- With investment in affordable student housing and Zero Cost Textbook degrees, this budget tackles barriers that make college unaffordable for many students.
  • Prior Funding Deferrals Settled -- Colleges can rest assured that a $1.5 billion IOU from the state in 2020-21 would be paid, helping to restore fiscal health.
  • Retention and Enrollment -- Provides resources to re-engage, retain, and attract students, particularly those with the steepest declines and help them reach their educational goals.
  • In-Person Classes and Supports -- Resources to return to in-person operations and maintain the flexibilities students need.

The Chancellor’s Office and Finance and Facilities Planning team will release a comprehensive Joint Analysis of the budget to the field in the late afternoon.  For more information throughout the budget process, please visit the Budget News section of the Chancellor’s Office website.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; degree and certificate pathways; and basic skills education in English and math. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision for Success, a strategic plan designed to improve student success outcomes, increase transfer rates and eliminate achievement gaps. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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