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Possible Student Fee Hike Impending!
-By Joy Fitzpatrick
Governor Schwarzenegger's January budget proposes no increase in student fees; however, the Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) has recommended that the governor raise fees from 26 dollars per unit to 33 dollars per unit.
Chief Financial Officer Kindred Murillo stated, �I can see it go either way. It just depends on how much pressure is put at the state capitol level.�
Although California Community College (CCC) fees are the lowest in the United States, fees have risen here over 136 percent over the last two years going from 11 to 26 dollars per unit, and it�s possible they may be raised again this year!
The LAO has stated that fee paying students will get back the money in the form of tax credits and tax deductions, but the truth is they will not get back that money dollar for dollar. They just won�t have to pay taxes on that money. This will not make a difference to low income students who are eligible for the Board of Governors Waiver (BOGW), or more wealthy students; however, those that fall just above the line to qualify will take a hit, increasing barriers to obtaining a higher education.
Murillo said, �There�s a group of people in this world that work hard, they don�t make a lot of money ... they don�t get a lot of benefits, and they don�t quite qualify for all the things... like financial aid and so these people get clobbered. ...it hurts the working poor.�
The proposed adjustments to the budget that came out April 1st did not include a fee hike; however, there is a lot of time for the governor to change that between now and July 1, 2005 when the final budget is suppose to be approved. Lobbying can and will make a difference.
Murrillo stated, �There are some really powerful issues right now at the state level. I think those, from my perspective are going to push down that fee issue.�
Murrillo went on to say, �Hopefully our associated student government is out there saying, �Care about students, don�t increase the fee��.
It�s important for students and other interested parties to speak out. To voice your opinion call, e-mail or write Governor Schwarzenegger at:
Office of the Governor
State Capitol
Sacramento, California 95814
www.govmail.ca.gov
1-916-445-2841 m-f 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. excluding holidays
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