2016-17 State Budget
The California state budget includes no COLA increase for 2016-17. It allocates a 2 percent ($114.7 million) increase in access or growth funding, and 1.29 percent ($75 million) increase in general operating expense revenues. These are the only two areas of increased funding for community colleges that are not categorical or designated for a specific purpose.
El Camino College will receive a $1.3 million enhancement from the general operating expense category, which will help cover PERS/STRS increases for 2016-17. However, ECC will not likely receive any of the 2 percent access/growth funds. See the story on stabilization for more information on access/growth.
Additionally, the state budget allocates $200 million in ongoing funding for the Strong Workforce Program; $30 million for basic skills initiatives; $184.6 million for deferred maintenance and instructional equipment. The budget provides funds for deferred maintenance/instructional equipment and Proposition 39 energy efficiency and workforce programs.
Although there are positives in the state budget, it is important to remember that Proposition 30, passed by the voters in November 2012, is a temporary tax. The sales tax portion, that generates about 19% of Proposition 30 revenues, will terminate December 31, 2016.
About 81% of Proposition 30 revenues come from the temporary income tax increase that will terminate December 31, 2018. However, Proposition 55 on the November 2016 ballot would extend the temporary personal income tax increase for an additional twelve years.
The Board of Trustees will review and consider the El Camino College 2016-17 Final Budget for approval at a Budget Workshop scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the Board Room. The meeting is open to the public.