“Save our programs” chants members of the Puente, EOP&S and MESA clubs just outside the Campus Theatre where EC President Thomas Fallo spoke about proposed budget cuts.

Estimated budget cuts to take place in the upcoming 2009 and 2010 semesters are said to familiar to the ones that occurred in 2003.

“The biggest effect from our budget cuts will be in our ongoing categorical cuts,” EC President Thomas Fallo said.

The cuts will include a reduction of 400 class sections and reduced funding for physical education classes.
‘We would just be eliminating classes that aren’t so higher class, classes that aren’t so in demand.” Fallo said.

Another area that can be affected by the budget cuts are some of EC’s clubs such as Puente, Mesa and EOP&S

“No programs like these will probably produce high dropout rates,” Ronald Calderon 27, Biology Major said.

The Puente clubs is known for aiding students since 1981 and feel the budget cuts shouldn’t affect them.

“I’m just concerned how it will affect EC, Cuts like this might affect student quality and student learning it involves less opportunities,” Director of ASO Joe Udeocho said.

The programs here at EC are a big part of the campus and provide various opportunities including providing scholarships for students.

“I find it disheartening, I represent students here I wish we could find other alternatives to cut; I wish we can represent these programs (EOP&S Puente and Mesa) and save students.” ASO President Josh Casper said.

Fallo also mentions in his speech that there is also a proposal to raise student fees to $60 dollars a unit.

“It’s not what I want, it’s what the states is doing; the state doesn’t give money to the rich, it gives it to the poor,” Fallo said.

Fallow also implies that financial aid will not be affected by any of the budget cuts.
“I don’t see the financial Aid being affected, perhaps being in more of a higher demand, We just gave out about $300,00 worth of scholarships last Friday,” Fallo said.

The speech was insightful for many audience members, but also left them in doubt.
“The speech was really intense, people had good questions, Fallo talked about everything I wanted to hear, but I just wonder how it’s actually going to affect us and the school I don’t want to pay $60 a unit,” Samantha Gonzalez, Sociology Major, said.