Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Optimistic about Proposed Education Budget Items

by L.A. Area Chamber

LOS ANGELES, CA — Following Gov. Jerry Brown’s unveiling of his proposed state 2017-2018 budget, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce appreciates the fiscal prudence and is pleased to see modest investments in K-12 education, as well as higher education.

“We commend Gov. Brown on the fiscal restraint reflected in the proposed budget. That said, we are hopeful the Governor and the legislature protect California’s most vulnerable children and continue our prior commitment to increased funding for preschool, childcare and other early childhood education programs,” stated David Rattray, executive vice president of the Chamber’s Center for Education Excellence and Talent Development.

Specific, proposed education-related items the Chamber applauds include:

• Continued investments in the California Community College’s Student Success, Basic Skills and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs.These programs are a vital to ensuring students’ prospects for success by providing critical support services, resources and guided pathways to produce college-educated workers our communities need to staff a sophisticated economy of the future. 

• The proposed $248 million for the Strong Workforce Program. These dollars are essential for increasing individual and regional economic competitiveness by providing California’s workforce with relevant skills and quality credentials that match employer needs to fuel a strong economy.

• Support for the implementation of innovative practices in higher education and a focus on improving efficiencies and student outcomes. With the rollout of the L.A. College Promise, the Los Angeles Community Colleges are uniquely poised to ensure more Angelenos are accessing and completing college. 

Rattray also noted these proposed investments expand access to high-quality education and employment opportunities for at-risk populations, helping to divert individuals from the justice system and onto a pathway of productive citizenship. He pointed to the ongoing, successful efforts of California’s Proposition 47, Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative (2014) and California’s Proposition 57, Parole for Non-Violent Criminals and Juvenile Court Trial Requirements (2016) that mitigate barriers to education and employment for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.

“The L.A. Area Chamber has long been a proponent of a cradle-to-career approach to education as a key ingredient for workforce development and economic prosperity, and it is essential for the economy and well being of our entire state that the budget reflect this,” Rattray said.

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The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of business in L.A. County. Founded in 1888, the Chamber promotes a prosperous economy and quality of life in the Los Angeles region. For more information, visit www.lachamber.com.