Sunday, January 31, 2010

Statehouse Insider: Higher education plan in spotlight after measure idea | mydesert.com | The Desert Sun

Statehouse Insider: Higher education plan in spotlight after measure idea | mydesert.com | The Desert Sun:

"Higher education is taking a high priority in Sacramento.

A joint committee reviewing California's higher education master plan is scheduled to meet Tuesday to discuss how access to higher education affects the workforce, economy and state.

The second in a series of hearings comes at an interesting time: Just this month, the governor announced plans for a ballot measure amending the California constitution to prohibit the state from spending more money on prisons than higher education in the future.

The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office last week urged lawmakers to reject the idea because it “would unwisely constrain” the state's ability to allocate money where it is needed. The report also said the measure is “unnecessary” because state officials can already shift funding among programs."