Gov. Gavin Newsom’s release of the May budget revision today has outlined the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state’s economy. At Southwestern College, the economic hit could range from a $2 million to a $27 million shortfall.
“At Southwestern College we have worked diligently to be good financial stewards to prepare us for the economy’s ups and downs,” said Governing Board President Nora E. Vargas. “None of us could have predicted this. We believe the governor understands the importance of education–especially in the community college system.
“We join our colleagues in advocating for protecting Proposition 98 funding and for allocating a greater portion of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund,” Vargas said. “Community colleges are economic engines for our communities, our training programs are a solution in helping California’s workforce get back to work.”
