Other states don't have the kind of money CA does And may not put a lot in the budget for higher education, even in good times. Some are better than others but it is hard for states to compete with the sheer magnitude of federal dollars. Those federal dollars make for sizable employment in many communities.
I applaud the Governor doing what he can. He is a good example of “Do Not Obey In Advance”. Do not accept the threat as the actual action.
That said, the colleges have a rough road ahead and hard decisions to make, because it’s not just about simple competing funds. For many, it’s about being the largest employer in a community and facing the thought of shutting their doors with the federal and state issuing competing demands. Because here’s the thing…
Colleges are required to sign a participation agreement to receive federal financial aid funds for their students - who in turn pay tuition and fees. We are talking about a lot of money on the federal side, with Pell and Direct Loan being the biggest pots. Way more than most colleges get from state funding. Colleges that lose federal aid tend to shut down fairly quickly - Corinthian and Art Institute are examples of that.
And that is just student financial aid funds, so add the loss of other federal funds and we are talking extreme hits. Colleges with big endowments can maybe withstand such a hit, smaller public schools, especially community colleges, not so much. I believe that California has a strong consortium of community colleges, so there is that. Smaller states or those without a strong consortium of community colleges would find it harder on those smaller schools to withstand loss of federal dollars.
College presidents may have a passion for the field of higher ed, but to do what they do, they need to be basically politicians and very business/money oriented. They also answer to boards, their communities and both federal and state officials. When state and federal rules and regulations compete, it is no fun trying to maneuver that path to continue operating.
A smart governor, and one who supports higher education, knows this and hopefully looks at the odds of different outcomes from all angles.
Sadly it is usually the students and lower/mid-level employees that lose out when funding cuts (whether federal or state) happen. So either way, if colleges lose federal or state funding, even short term, there will be suffering.
All that said, (trying to be hopeful here) California puts a lot of money into higher ed and they would also carry this to the courts so if anyone can make this work, they probably can. If so, maybe it is a way forward, at least in blue states that tend to better fund higher education.
On a personal level… I cry when I see what has happened, is happening, and what I fear will happen still, to my beloved field of higher ed. I believe publicly supported higher ed is essential to a successful society. I want those in power in the colleges to remember their mission statements and to stand up for unity and truth. I also know doing so may cost them dearly, if threats become action. Such is the price of democracy.
I want to add that I appreciate your thoughts and frustrations on what seems like inaction. Sometimes it feels like everyone, especially me, is standing still as the world spins off its axis. I just wanted to note that perhaps other Dem governors with less higher ed support are weighing the loss of federal dollars and possible collapsing of a local economy (closing a college can devastate a small town), and trying to figure out their best options. Perhaps, where California goes, others follow.
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