Three principal reasons for worry about the financial condition of higher education today are: inflation, public concern over government costs, and demographic changes. Those responsible for the development, use, and interpretation of financial indications have special responsibilities: acceleration of development, availability of evaluations, and…

Discusses the ramifications of Proposition 13 in light of cut-backs to community college personnel, programs, and services. Underscores that no aura surrounds the community college. Stresses that the days of unlimited availability of funds for community colleges have ceased. (CM)

Reviews the idealistic origins of the public library in the United States and the gradual shift from private to public financial support. It is argued that a skeptical attitude toward the public sector led to the recent financial crisis for public libraries, and that strategies for funding must include reaffirmation of the original idealistic…

Observing the types of progams affected by budget cuts during times of austerity may provide insight into how programs are selected and implemented during periods of abundance. Several areas for consideration during the budget cutting process are discussed. To develop sound educational programs, fundamental requirements must first be defined. (DF)

The dependency of public institutions of higher education on state tax dollars is a major source of financial instability as other state agencies demand more tax dollars for other purposes. This paper presents a new formula for higher education funding and discusses the rationale and implications of implementing the new solution, which will allow…

The lessons of state tax reform learned in California are that education systems need to establish working relationships with all constituencies, work closely with other groups with similar interests, build public faith in education, and encourage and support intelligent and courageous educational leadership. (MSE)

For the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), the year after Proposition 13 was passed was one of almost constant reappraisal of priorities, of shifting programs and services to make the most of every available dollar, and of nearly constant uncertainty. Some of the effects of Proposition 13 were reductions in the numbers of part-time…

This paper contains three articles which present the opinions of the authors on public college tuition and state finance. The problem addressed is the large increase in tuition charged by public sector, four-year colleges coupled with the effects of fiscal constraints facing the states. After an introduction by Richard J. Novak, the papers are:…

A majority of the 50 states are currently experiencing budget problems as a result of recent changes in the fiscal roles of federal, state, and local governments. Four major factors are responsible for the recent deterioration of state budgets: (1) reductions in federal aid to states and localities, (2) changes in the federal corporate and…

Issues of concern to higher education in Pennsylvania and possible roles for the state government are addressed by a state senator. The difficulty of providing postsecondary education in view of reduced funds is noted. It is suggested that the expectation that adult students will help solve the problem of fewer traditional aged college students…

College community services, traditionally funded by the levy of special purpose taxes, have been threatened by the passage of Proposition 13 and the resultant abolishment of permissive taxes. Survey data show that the average budget cut for community services was at least 50%. These cuts resulted in: (1) a 76% increase in "fee" courses…

Discusses controversial changes in educational policy resulting from the government's restraint program to control public sector spending and from the broader movement to reform public schooling. Outlines the causes of restraint and its immediate and long-term effects on public education. Emphasizes the shift to provincial control of decisions…