Copyright© 1999 by School Services of California, Inc.
Governor Vetoes Modernization Bill - SB 1283
Much to the dismay of the Los Angeles Community College District, Governor Davis vetoed their sponsored legislation, SB 1283 (Polanco, D-Los Angeles). This bill would have established a community college facilities modernization program, to be funded from the state general obligation bonds approved by the electorate after January 1, 2000. This program would have established specific criteria for eligibility for the modernization program and, among other things, required community college districts to provide 20 percent of project costs.
The State Chancellor's Office was strongly opposed to SB 1283. Their preference was for these types of capital outlay projects to be prioritized and funded within the existing process approved by the Board of Governors.
Los Angeles college officials maintain that the current capital outlay process creates inequities between urban and suburban districts - the formula in their opinion tends to favor growing areas (suburban and rural) over urban ones where enrollment is stagnant.
In his veto message, Governor Davis stated that he is supportive of funding for the modernization of community college facilities, and will give serious consideration to this issue when the next education bond act is negotiated. However, he feels that the establishment of a modernization program prior to the development of the next bond act would be premature. He also noted that the design of the program would represent a major departure from the current capital outlay process for the community college system.
Finally, he noted that the Board of Governors of the Community Colleges is already in the process of developing new guidelines for funding that include modernization projects in the overall mix of priorities. He supports that effort and welcomes the opportunity to work with all parties on the balance between modernization and new construction in the development of the next bond act.
-- Arnold Bray