2014-15 State Budget Media Statement - January 9, 2014
MEDIA STATEMENT January 9, 2014
Contact: Paul Feist
Office: 916.327.5353
Cell: 209.670.6240
Office E-mail: pfeist@cccco.edu
California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice W. Harris Applauds Gov. Brown’s Proposed 2014-15 Budget, Calls It Best in Recent Memory
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice W. Harris issued the following statement
today about Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed 2014-15 budget:
"After years of budget cuts forced us to turn away hundreds of thousands of students,
Gov. Brown’s proposal is welcome news for California and for the economy. With an
11.4 percent increase in funding we are now on the way to adding back the much needed
classes that will restore our system's ability to provide educational opportunities
for those seeking to improve their lives at community colleges. The proposed budget
also is in lockstep with our Board of Governors’ Student Success Initiative, which
aims to increase the number of students who complete certificates, degrees or transfer
to four-year institutions. It provides resources to strengthen support services for
students and help close achievement gaps. We embrace the governor's call to continue
to improve and streamline transfer opportunities across all segments of higher education.
Simply put, this proposed budget does more to help community college students than
any in recent memory."
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation. It is composed of 72 districts and 112 colleges serving 2.3 million students per year. Community colleges supply workforce training, basic skills courses in English and math, and prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The Chancellor’s Office provides leadership, advocacy and support under the direction of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges.