photo credit: Greta Mart/KRCB

Leaders of the University of California and California State University systems are warning a proposed budget cut of almost 8% for next year could lead to larger class sizes, fewer course offerings and staff reductions unless it is reversed.

Gov. Gavin Newsom's January budget proposal would technically defer the funding for two years.

Josh Hagen, vice president of policy and advocacy for the Sacramento-based Campaign for College Opportunity, noted schools are prepared for the proposed reduction.

"In last year's budget, the governor and legislature said, 'You need to be prepared for an 8% systemwide cut.' This budget affirmed that systemwide cut is coming," Hagen acknowledged. "The silver lining is that it's a one-time cut; it is not ongoing but that's still going to be felt."

The governor proposes to invest more than $45 billion in higher education as a whole, slightly less than last year. Community colleges will get a cost-of-living increase of just over $230 million, as a result of Proposition 98. The Legislature has until June to pass a balanced budget.

Hagen is convinced the California economy is slowly moving in the right direction.

"We're turning the corner. We're not fully around it yet," Hagen stressed. "It's about making sure colleges and universities are able to maintain program services for students as we're looking towards a multiyear economic recovery."

Hagen noted the budget proposal includes $5 million to create a coordinating council so the University of California, California State University and community college systems can better react to events like a natural disaster or financial downturn in the future.