Californians want more funding for public higher education, survey shows
On Nov. 14, 2018, LA Times published an article titled, “Californians want more funding for public higher education, survey shows.” Here’s an excerpt:
Most Californians believe higher education should be a top priority for the new governor and support increased funding for public colleges and universities, according to a new survey by the Public Policy Institute of California.
As the state’s public higher education system struggles to recover from major funding cuts a decade ago, the majority of Californians surveyed by the institute supported giving the schools a wide range of help. Most backed free community college, a statewide bond for university construction projects, a minimum state funding guarantee and even reform of Prop. 13 to raise more money by loosening restrictions on taxing commercial properties.
The article continues:
The biggest problem facing college students today, most of those surveyed said — above educational quality and admissions access — is the cost. Most were concerned that students were taking on too much debt, and more than one-third of those surveyed said housing and living expenses were a greater financial burden than tuition. (Financial aid covers tuition for the majority of students at UC and Cal State.) …
The University of California and California State University both are requesting more state funding for 2019-20 to avoid tuition hikes and expand enrollment, provide more student support, pay for faculty and staff raises and repair aging buildings. Despite recent funding increases, the state’s share of per-student support at UC has dropped from 78% in 1990 to 37% in 2017.
Read the complete article on the LA Times website.