Community College League of California Leaders Respond to Governor Newsom’s Proposed 2025-26 Budget
SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2025-26 budget recommends providing the California community colleges funding for the Career Education Masterplan, including a $100 million proposal for credit for prior learning and career passports.
The Governor’s budget also proposes a 2.43% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for California community colleges plus 0.5% for Growth. Additionally, the proposal recommends:
- $168 million one-time funds for Statewide Technology Transformation
- $162.5 million, of which $29 million is ongoing, for the Statewide Common Data Platform
- $100 million credit for prior learning and career passport, of which $7 million is ongoing
- $30 million ongoing for Rising Scholars Network
- $16 million for select categorical COLA
The Community College League of California (League) issued the following statements in response to the Governor’s proposed 2025-26 budget proposal. The League commends the Governor’s support for California’s community colleges, yet will continue to advocate for additional funds for student enrollment as well as deferred capital maintenance.
Larry Galizio, Ph.D., Community College League of California President & CEO
“In this era of economic and political uncertainty, the Governor’s budget affirms the significance of California Community Colleges in advancing educational equity and workforce development. We look forward to the deliberations on the Master Plan for Career Education and ensuring that state funds will be available in the May Revise so that our instructional equipment and facilities can advance the aspirational goals for our students and state’s workforce, and that we’re fully funding community colleges for the students already taking advantage of their quality and accessibility. We also recognize the devastating impact of the fires in Los Angeles and affirm the willingness of our colleges to help distressed communities in whatever ways possible.”
Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg , Trustee, Kern CCD; President, California Community College Trustees (CCCT)
“The Governor’s emphasis on career education and recognition of prior learning aligns with our colleges’ mission to assist 6.8 million adults in advancing their career paths through their local community colleges. Additionally, many of our colleges, through the Rising Scholars Network, have built strong community partnerships to support justice-involved students, and the Governor’s proposed investment will create opportunities for them to rebuild their lives with skills and credentials earned through certificate and degree programs. California’s community college trustees stand ready to work together on this ambitious agenda and localize the educational needs of our students to meet regional workforce demands.”
Roger Schultz, Ph.D., Superintendent/President, Mt. San Jacinto College; President, Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges (CEOCCC) and Chair, Community College League of California Board
“California’s community colleges are a gateway to opportunity, equipping more than two million students with the education and skills needed to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to their communities. Governor Newsom’s ongoing support recognizes our critical role in preparing students for jobs and industries that drive local and state economies. For our colleges to best support our students, their dreams, and the future of California, community colleges must have investment that reflects the value of affordable, high-quality education.”