Thursday, February 2, 2017

State Treasurer John Chaing Addresses Community College Presidents and Trustees at the Community College League of California’s 2017 Legislative Conference

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Community College League of California (League) hosted its 2017 Legislative Conference at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, January 29-30, 2017 in Sacramento. “When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat the value provided by California’s community colleges,” said State Treasurer John Chaing in his discussion with Brian King, President of the Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges and Chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District. “The 113 colleges which make up the nation’s largest system of higher education provides Californians with the skills, knowledge, and preparation to excel in today’s global economy,” said Chaing.

The League's Annual Legislative Conference provides a unique opportunity for chancellors, presidents, trustees, and community college advocates to connect and learn the latest news about California higher education. Sessions focused on best practices to ensure colleges have access to guided pathways resources, funding to support student success programs and to close the achievement gaps, and advocacy strategies for the current legislative year.

During Sunday’s luncheon, League Board Chair Doug Otto sat down with Editorial Cartoonist and Pulitzer Prize Winner Jack Ohman to discuss his views on the current political landscape and what community colleges should prioritize in 2017.

Conference attendees joined Assemblymember and Chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee Jose Medina and Senator Richard Pan for town hall meetings to discuss the Legislature’s higher education priorities and advocate for California’s community colleges. “The town hall meetings provide an opportunity for elected officials to discuss their 2017 higher education legislative agenda, and community college presidents, trustees and advocates to share feedback and concerns regarding the implementation of current policies,” said, Larry Galizio, President/CEO of the Community College League of California.

In addition, attendees scheduled one-on-one legislative meetings with their state representatives to discuss prioritizing a community college base augmentation to ensure colleges can continue to offer a quality education for all Californians, and funding capital projects through the state bond approved by California voters in a 2016.

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