To offset the potential loss of $250 million in case Proposition 30 does not pass, the Cal State University Board of Trustees must take precautionary measures.
This is why the Board voted in favor of a five percent tuition hike for next spring if November yields an unwanted outcome.
As much as students do not want to see their tuition increase again in a consecutive semester, the reality is that no other option remains. If Prop 30. fails, then the CSU will have a big hole to fill in the budget. Besides the variety of fees on credit limits and for repeating classes, the tuition hike would serve as a way for the CSU to hold its head above water with a $250 million loss.
With its hands basically tied, this contingency plan is the only choice the CSU has. So, as students, we must say go ahead and dip into our pockets a little bit more.
On the bright side, if enacted, this tuition hike would be the lowest one seen in the past decade. The 5 percent increase would match the previous lowest percent increase set in 2010. It will raise the tuition next semester by $150.
Yet, this does not mean there will not be additional cuts to our education. Because not all of the $250 million cut will be filled by the 5 percent increase, students should expect extensive cuts to the quality of their education. A decrease in faculty and class choices are just to name a few.
In order to avoid this contingency plan, voters will have to vote in favor of Prop. 30, including its statewide raise on the California sales tax and the raise on income tax for those making more than $250,000.
Thus, all stakeholders in this decision should make their voices heard come November. Students, it’s time to pay attention.
If Prop. 30 does pass, then the CSU will not need to raise tuition by 5 percent. There will not be any new fees or cuts to the quality of our education – for the time being, of course.
Also, the 9 percent tuition increase that we paid this semester would be rescinded as well.
If Prop. 30 passes, then the CSU can take the tuition buyout deal they were offered over summer. Students who have left the CSU could expect to find checks in the mail with their reimbursement.
Students continuing on with their CSU education can expect to have their reimbursement credited into their next semester of classes.
This factor may be enough to sway stakeholders in Prop. 30 to vote a certain way.
As the months wind down and the first Tuesday of November draws near, there is plenty at stake for all Americans.
We are currently in limbo as we wait for the outcome of Prop. 30 in California and the nation waits for the presidential election.
At least we are taking precautions in case we are faced with the worst of situations.
