Asm. Muratsuchi & El Camino College Superintendent agree that 2014 budget continues the California comeback

Legislature approves additional education dollars

(Sacramento) – Assemblymember Muratsuchi, Chair of Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, released the following statement on passing the budget today:

"I am pleased to deliver another on-time, balanced budget that provides significant increases in funding for K-12 schools, higher education, and early childhood education.

"This fiscally responsible budget pays down $12.4 billion in debt, grows budget reserves to over $5 billion by 2017-18, and builds on a stronger rainy day reserve. For K-12 education, this budget provides a 10 percent increase in funding that will invest in our children and allow schools to reduce class sizes and restore programs cut during the recession. For higher education, this budget provides a 5 percent increase for the University of California and California State University on the condition that tuition and fees are frozen. This will allow our universities to expand educational opportunities for more California residents. We are also significantly increasing our investment in community colleges with an 11 percent increase in funding in order to reduce bottleneck courses and educate our future workforce. Last but not least, we are investing in early childhood education programs by expanding child care and preschool enrollment.

"This is the second consecutive year that the Legislature has passed an on-time, balanced budget with restored funding for education. We are continuing the California comeback."

Thomas Fallo, Superintendent/President of El Camino College, concurred with the Assemblymember's sentiments:

"We are very pleased with the enrollment growth dollars included in this year’s budget.

“There’s still a lot more work to be done but we are looking forward to working with Assemblymember Muratsuchi to ensure that this trend of helping our students gain access to higher education remains steady.”

The budget will now go to Governor Brown for review and he has until July 1 to approve the it.

The following are highlights from the 2014-15 State Budget:

 Balanced Budget: The Legislature has now passed its 4th consecutive, on-time budget.

 Pays Down Debt: To ensure stability, the budget pays down $12.4 billion in debt and grows budget reserves to over $5 billion by 2017-18.

 Invests in Our Schools: Support for K-12 schools is increased by $5.6 billion over what was funded in last year's budget, increasing locally controlled education funding by $4.7 billion, and paying schools back $6 billion in deferred payments.

 More Can Afford College: UC and CSU will see $302 million in additional investments to expand access to higher education and improve student services. Community Colleges received $300 million in increased funding.

 Improves Services for Veterans: Veterans have earned the benefits and services to which they are entitled. This budget contains millions to increase outreach to these heroes to make sure they get what is theirs. Veterans will also benefit from the nearly $100 million used to invest in affordable housing for families.

 Increased Funding for Courts: Californians need access to their justice system. To this end, the budget increases investments in courts by $223 million, with another $40 million set aside for court facilities.

 Job Creation Through Infrastructure: Local streets and roads will see $142 million. Shovel ready projects to commence work imminently.

 Drought Relief: A further $142 million is allocated to help the state respond to the drought, including fire protection and emergency water
needs.

Assemblymember Muratsuchi's website: www.asm.ca.gov/muratsuchi