More Californians Left Behind As College Costs Skyrocket

SACRAMENTO (CBS) — Years of fee increases at California's colleges and universities has prompted lawmakers to jump into the fray before higher education costs skyrocket out of reach for the average Californian.

KNX 1070's Jon Baird reports.

Lawmakers want to rein in the higher education system, not only helping keep tuition affordable, but also forcing the colleges and universities to be more efficient in how they use taxpayer money.

State senator Darrell Steinberg says growing and maintaining higher education - what he calls "the jewel of the system" — is the highest priority.

Severe cuts and steep fees increases have sparked protests all across the state. There have been proposals made to limit student fees, including freeze executive compensation in the university system and force more budget transparency.

Steinberg says the state's finances must be repaired so that tuition increases are the very last resort.

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