In January Gov. Gray Davis announced his proposed state budget for fiscal year 2003. his proposed budget reflects cuts of about $12.5 billion as a result of last year's so-called "energy crisis" and the slow down in the state and national economy. For the community colleges, the governor gave with one hand and took with the other. He offered a 3% growth amount, and 2.1% COLA, and maintained the $57 million part-time equity fund. He took away some matriculation and CALWORKS funds. For SMC, this would mean a shortfall of about $900K. Virtually all of the matriculation and Calworks funds go to salaries of person providing services to SMC students. Most of those persons affected are counselors.

Since January, faculty groups and other community college constituencies have been fighting to have the cuts restored. one argument being made in Sacramento is that cutting Calworks funds would only throw thousands and thousands of persons back into the state's social service system, which is itself stressed by under funding. Another argument is that laying off hundreds (or maybe even thousands) of part-time counselors statewide would only cause chaos in the system, hurt the economy, and of course, disrupt the lives of those counselors. there is also speculation that the January budget cuts are really Gov. Davis's bargaining chips for the real budget battle this summer.

The Faculty Association is always opposed to budget cuts that affect student services and the livelihood of its members, and is working with FACCC and other groups to restore the funding cuts. The FA is also encouraging the Budget Committee to develop a plan for next year's budget that will protect faculty jobs.