California governor proposes almost $40B for higher ed, sets long-term goals
Laura Spitalniak
January 11,2022
Dive Brief:
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom released a 2022-23 budget proposal Monday that would spread $39.6 billion across the state’s three college systems and the California Student Aid Commission. At the same time, the governor’s plan outlines ambitious goals for postsecondary attainment, equity, access and affordability.
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The University of California System would receive $4.3 billion in ongoing general funding in 2022-23, and its sister system, California State University, would get just short of $5 billion. Newsom called for the systems to receive annual 5% funding increases through 2026-27.
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The California Community Colleges system would get $12.7 billion in ongoing general funding in 2022-23. Newsom promised funding increases for the community colleges in the future while calling for the system to meet expectations like increasing the percentage of students attaining associate degrees, credentials, certificates and skills for in-demand jobs by 20% by 2026.
Dive Insight:
Passage of a final California budget for next year isn’t expected for months, but the proposal from Newsom, a Democrat, is still important because it signals funding levels and priorities for public colleges in the country’s most populous state.
Newsom wants 70% of working-aged Californians to hold a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030.
The multiyear approach is also important because it allows for the planning that long-term goals require, according to Tom Harnisch, vice president for government relations at the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association.
