SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott today issued a statement about the California Legislature's decision to delay implementation of a mid-year student fee increase to summer 2012 if state revenues fall more than $1 billion below projections and trigger cuts are executed.  The increase from $36 to $46 per unit was originally proposed for the spring 2012 term:

"I congratulate the Legislature for passing this bill (ABx1 32) that defers until summer a $10 per unit fee increase in the event that mid-year budget cuts are deemed necessary. Without this change, colleges likely would have to implement the fee increase with only a couple of weeks' notice, and adminstrators would be placed in the untenable position of trying to collect higher fees from students who had already completed registration for spring classes.  This bill, if signed by the governor, gives colleges and students adequate time to prepare for increased fees if they become necessary."

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation. It is composed of 72 districts and 112 colleges serving 2.6 million students each year. Community colleges supply workforce training, basic skills courses in English and math, and prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The Chancellor's Office provides leadership, advocacy and support under the direction of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges.

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NOTE:  Please see attached budget fact sheet and graph on enrollment demand.