Bill to Study Funding of College Systems Dies

A measure to examine how money is divided among California’s higher education systems died in the Assembly, postponing further action on the question of whether community colleges should get a greater share of state funds.

The measure, sponsored by state Sen. Richard Polanco (D-Los Angeles), sprang from a compromise between representatives of state community colleges, California State universities and the University of California. It called for the formation of a working group to study how state construction bond funds are divvied up between the three systems.

Community colleges have long contended that their share of the money is too small, and supported a move to redirect more funds to the colleges. Cal State and UC supporters opposed the move, but they agreed to convene the working group. However, this measure was not taken up by the Assembly, and died with the close of the legislative session, said Bill Mabie, spokesman for Polanco.