Trigger Pulled on Education Cuts 

Mid-year statewide cuts in education funding could potentially downsize, or even eliminate, many adult education programs in 2012 as district administrators are forced to reallocate their shrinking budgets. Listen to Governor Brown’s December 13 press conference and read more about how budget cuts may impact adult education.

As a result of state revenues falling short of the predicted FY 2011-12 budget, the Department of Finance and Governor Brown announced the need to enact ‘trigger’ cuts outlined in the June 2011 budget agreement. The plan introduced a tiered system of additional cuts to funding for education and social services in the event that state tax revenues failed to meet fiscal projections.

On top of the $20 billion in budget reductions that schools and colleges statewide have already endured, the trigger calls for an additional $2 billion in mid-year cuts to programs including education. This includes $248 million that will be taken from Home to School Transportation, a decision that the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) calls “tantamount to completely eliminating the ability for students to get to and from school to learn.”

The cuts, which go into effect on February 1, will have significant impacts on adult education programs as school district boards, superintendents, and budget directors are required to revisit where the cuts will be made in order to maintain a balanced budget.

Administrators and educators are concerned about decreases in the number of educational programs offered, classroom overcrowding, and the inability of students to get to school without bus service. In a December 13 press conference, Governor Brown noted that schools have the ability to move funds around, and that funding flexibility could have an impact for further reductions in adult education on a district-by-district basis.

The Governor’s December announcement to enact trigger budget cuts followed the release of financial outlook reports composed by three key fiscal entities. All found that state revenues are currently behind budget projections for 2011-12, and anticipate that the deficit will widen in FY 2012-13.

Democratic Controller John Chiang reported that not only are state revenues $1.5 billion behind projection, but also that the state has overspent by $1.7 billion this fiscal year. The Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) report found that the state will face a budget deficit of $13 billion in the coming fiscal year (FY 2012-13), and that the expected $4 billion in additional revenues – the amount necessary to avoid trigger cuts – is unlikely to materialize.

The Governor’s Department of Finance released its own analysis, identifying a $2.2 billion revenue gap for FY 2011-12. Revenues in October alone fell $608 million below expectations, and despite the optimism of legislative and agency officials that a revenue surge might obviate the need for cuts, Governor Brown has indicated that the triggers will indeed be pulled. Brown also noted that more cuts are likely when he releases his proposed FY 2012-13 budget in January.

The finalized K-12 Education shortfall totals $80 million, an amount that will be directly cut in addition to the $248 million elimination of school bus funding. Higher education and childcare will also be affected.

Several adult education organizations -- including ACSA, the California Council for Adult Education (CCAE), and the California Adult Education Administrators Association (CAEAA) -- have released statements expressing their intention to work with the Governor and lawmakers to avoid decimating educational programs. As the 2012 legislative session approaches, they hope to stave off further reductions and set the groundwork for restoring funding for adult education in California.

For more information, or to collaborate on this issue with the organizations mentioned above, please contact the following:
•    On behalf of ACSA: Julie White, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; 916-225-8144
•    On behalf of CCAE: Dawn Koepke, Legislative Advocate; 916-930-1993

Also consider participating in a 2012-13 Budget Perspectives Workshop, offered in 10 locations throughout California in January and early February. The workshops, hosted by ACSA and School Innovations & Advocacy (SI&A), will address the budget cuts and provide valuable budgeting and planning guidance. Call 877-954-4357 for more information, or visit the online registration portal for dates and locations.