Community College Initiative

Spring
2006
Resolution Number
06.05
 
Contact
Assigned to
Relations with Local Senates Committee
Category
State and Legislative Issues
Status
Completed
Status Report

Included on the Local Senate's talking points.

Whereas, In 1988, the California Legislature in AB1725 declared, "The Legislature is committed to an alternative vision in which California remains a place of opportunity and hope--where innovation and creativity mark our economy and our culture, and where the minds and spirits of all our communities contribute to our common future. The community colleges will be at the heart of whatever effort we make to insure that the future is equitable and open, that California's economy remains healthy and growing, and that both rural towns and rapidly expanding urban centers have educational resources close at hand." ;

Whereas, A proposed ballot initiative known as the Community College Governance, Funding Stabilization, and Student Fee Reduction Act will be filed with the Attorney General's Office on June 15, 2006, for signature circulation beginning August 15, 2006, and (if it qualifies) for a vote no later than the November 2008, general election;

Whereas, The position of the Academic Senate is and continues to be a zero-fee policy for community college students, and the proposed Community College Initiative will move in that direction and toward restoring California's historical public policy promise made to all of its citizens for open access to an affordable quality postsecondary education by reducing the community college student fee (i.e., tax) rate to $20 per credit unit while also restricting the amount and probability of any future fee increases; and

Whereas, The proposed Community College Initiative will strengthen California's economy by assuring that local community colleges have the predictable and stable funding necessary for local workforce training and development through career focused transfer, vocational, and technical education programs;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges support the proposed Community College Initiative known as the Community College Governance, Funding Stabilization, and Student Fee Reduction Act of 2008;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges encourage local academic senates to consider resolutions of support for the Community College Initiative at the earliest opportunity; and

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges encourage, through communication with each local academic senate, that those senates who support the Community College Initiative demonstrate leadership at their own college in the education, mobilization, fundraising, and signature gathering efforts needed to qualify the initiative for a vote by the citizens of California.MSC Disposition: Local Senates