While the Washington State legislature adjourned their 2008 session more than a month ago, many state legislatures are still meeting, with most of the hard work remaining over the next couple of months.
In California, the budget deficit appears to be getting worse with most of the revenue shortfall coming from lower corporate income taxes. We have mentioned previously that Governor Schwarzenegger’s budget called for 10% across the board cuts to all state agencies, including higher education. While the state legislature has criticized those cuts, there have been no alternatives presented yet, such as tax increases or alternative reductions.
Today, more than 1,000 students from California’s colleges and universities are expected to descend on Sacramento for a 10:30 a.m. rally on the north steps of the State Capitol building. They are expected to be joined by former state legislature and current Lt. Governor John Garamendi and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles). Similar student rallies are scheduled in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and Santa Barbara.