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Calbright officials tout proposed $38.1 million state boost; board readies advocacy
Summary
Calbright leaders told trustees that Governor Newsom's proposed 2026–27 budget would add about $38.1 million in Proposition 98 funding for Calbright, bringing base funding with COLA to roughly $53.1 million; trustees heard plans for legislative hearings and advocacy.
Calbright College leaders told the Board of Trustees on Jan. 14 that Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2026–27 state budget includes a significant new investment for the online community college.
Jenny Johnson, vice president of government relations, told trustees the proposal would increase Calbright’s Proposition 98 general‑fund support by approximately $38.1 million, which she said would bring total base funding with cost‑of‑living adjustments to roughly $53.1 million as presented. She said Calbright will present in upcoming state Senate and Assembly budget subcommittee hearings and pursue outreach to legislative members and state agencies to secure the appropriation.
Trustees and college leaders framed the request as recognition of Calbright’s role in serving working‑age adults and bridging workforce needs. President Menon linked the budget effort to recent enrollment and completion growth and said the college will use the spring legislative calendar to demonstrate results and readiness to scale.
Johnson also previewed a Feb. 4 educational briefing in Sacramento and early federal outreach, including a nascent federal appropriations request focused on a community health‑care worker initiative. Trustees asked for follow‑up materials on competency‑based education and comparative models in other states to inform future advocacy and board education.
Next steps: Calbright staff will prepare testimony for the legislature’s budget subcommittees, continue scheduled meetings with state and federal partners, and report back to the board as the budget process advances.
