By Chris Storer

    The most serious questions that the governor's budget proposal raises in my mind relate to the fundamental misunderstanding implied by the consolidation of the PT categorcal programs with PFE and Matriculation. The latter two programs were  complete categorical programs, funding completely the CCC activities they supported even while the districts had significant flexibility to define the nature of the specific activities designed to achieve the goals of the programs.

    On the other hand, the three PT programs (equity, benefits, office hours) were specifically designed to begin incremental processes to achieve BOG and Legislative policy and goals. Each was only partially funded initially,  yet with a legislative and system commitment to continually expand the programs until the complete policies and goals were achieved.

    Folding the programs in with Matriculation and PFE would make sense if the policies and goals were achieved on an on-going basis, but this make little sense at the current level of progress. Consequently, we have a strategy problem. We need to be pleased with some of the Governor's intention while forcing a correction of the misunderstandings. I believe we can take this situation as a very real opportunity.

    The policies and goals of the three programs have been to systematically address fundamental  inequities in  compensation and support suffered by part-time faculty and the resulting inequities suffered by their students. These policies and goals gained unanimous support (consensus) in Consultation and by the Board of Governors, and after the CPEC Report confirmed the system's analysis of the problem, this support was  largely  shared  by the  Legislature and

 

Governor.  If the methodology and account-ability mechanisms established by the categorical nature of the programs  are to be  removed before  the policies and goals are realized, they must be replaced by ed code language which establishes new mechanisms and a timetable for achieving the goals in an orderly manner.

    My interpretation of the Governor's words and actions is that he recognizes the importance of the CCCs and their health to the recovery of the state. He plans to further augment the system budget in coming years and, I believe, he understands the significant underfunding of the system. Our task will be to convince  him that he must have the full support of PT faculty if his plans for the CCCs are to be achieved.

 

Chris Storer teaches philosophy at DeAnza College and is the CPFA Legislative Analyst.

Governor’s Budget Proposal

Reverses System Goals

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