I would like to bring to the community”s attention a major concern regarding the amount paid per unit for community colleges. In 2008 the cost per unit was at $26. The Governor signed for the California Community College (CCC) fees to be raised from $26 per unit to $36 per unit that began July. The Legislative Analyst”s Office was trying to convince policy makers to increase the price from $26 per unit to $66 per unit. If it was increased to $66 per unit it would be outrageous. There has been talk of raising the price per unit again since July. If the price per unit rises again it will be harder for people to pursue careers. As the price is, now a lot of people are already experiencing this problem. If people can”t afford to go to college, this can possibly affect the amount of employees for small and large corporations alike. Not only have the prices per unit been raised, but courses have been reduced in numbers. There has been about a 30 percent reduction of courses offered. They are basically slamming the door in students” faces. The Pearson Foundation Community College student survey found results of 47 percent of California students can”t enroll in classes they need since there are fewer courses offered and they are full. Since the amount of courses is reduced, it will take longer for a student to earn their degree. They might as well just start out at a four-year institution. We need to take a stand toward these constant increases and cuts. If we don”t none of us will have a chance to better our lives.
Carlene Taylor
Kelseyville
