JANUARY

1/2003- Thanks in part to both the energy crisis and a slow down in the stock market, $35 billion deficit in the state looms over the new year.

MARCH

3/17/2003- More than 10,000 college students from around the state rally budget cuts in Sacramento.

3/28/2003- 3,000 community college students rally cuts in Los Angeles’ Pershing Square.

MAY

5/2003- Gov. Gray Davis presents the “May Revision,” which includes $120 million for GCC growth expenditures.

5/16/2003- GCC’s budget report announces $2.4 million in budget cuts so far: Almost 400 classes cut (157 classes in fall 2002 and the remainder in spring and summer 2003).

5/19/2003- GCC is forced to propose a fee increase from $11 to $18 for fall. GCC’s Board of Trustees discuss and approve to discontinue Ready to Read and The First Year Experience programs.

5/27/2003- 26 Classified workers are laid off, saving GCC $1 million.

JULY

Summer 2003- Removal of second summer session saved GCC $217,000.

7/3/2003- California Community College’s Chancellor Thomas Nussbaum, made it clear that until legislative action exists, no district is to charge the $18 fee. But, he warned students of possible increases and re-pay.

7/29/2003- A near $100 billion final budget plan was approved by the state. The plan included many cuts including increased fee to $18. The state also plans on using borrowed money via bonds to help clear the deficit.

7/29/2003- California Assembly speaker, Herb Wesson, said borrowing money will create an $8 billion problem in 2004.

SEPTEMBER

Fall 2003: To date 500 classes have been cut. “That is 15,000 seats,” said Steve White, vice president of instructional services.

9/3/2003- GCC begins first day of school a day later than prior year to receive state funding.

9/21/2003- Board of Trustees presented and approved the 2003-2004 budget. The budget calls for allocating a general reserve fund of $1.5 million for emergencies, such as the possibility of more cuts in the future.