More budget cuts forecasted

California may face $2 billion in "trigger" cuts to programs including a $102 million cut to California Community Colleges, according to a fiscal outlook document released on Nov. 16 by the Legislative Analyst's Office.

The cuts would be the result of a projected $3.7 billion shortfall in revenues.

"Our forecast of revenues is based upon national and state economic data, including tax data and employment data," said Steve D. Boilard, director of higher education for the LAO, in an email to The San Matean.

When the budget was adopted in June, the governor's budget plan set up tiers of "trigger" cuts to be enacted if the revenue falls short.

If revenue falls between $1 billion and $2 billion, the first tier of budget cuts will be enacted. If it falls more than $2 billion, the second tier of budget cuts will be enacted. If the LAO is correct, both tiers of cuts will be triggered.

Final decisions on the cuts will be made by the Department of Finance in December.

For CCCs, this means $30 million in tier one and $72 million in tier two.

In addition to the $102 million reduction in General Fund apportionment, CCCs would increase fees to $46 per unit, effective summer 2012, a 77 percent increase in a one-year period.  

"That's a lot of money," said student Jose Manuel Barajas, 22. "I already pay for gas and bills — it's too much."

If these cuts are triggered, there will be fewer classes and services available to students.

"This means many Californians may opt not to pursue a college education because they simply cannot get the classes they need," said Paige Marlatt Dorr, Director of Communications for the CCC chancellor's office.

    "For those students already attending a community college, it could take longer for them to reach their educational goals," said Dorr.

Financial aid will not be affected by the cuts or fee increases directly. But certain types of financial aid require a specific number of units.

"If (students with financial need) cannot get into the classes they need, they will get less aid and may not be able to continue their education," said Dorr.