Almost three-quarters of Californians say the state doesn’t spend enough on higher education, according to a new survey, even as revenue forecasts raise the likelihood of more cuts to colleges and universities. A majority of California voters believe the state’s academies are headed in the wrong direction and disapprove of both Governor Jerry Brown, 73, and the Legislature’s handling of higher-education issues, according to a Public Policy Institute of California poll, which preceded the latest revenue forecast. That projection, from Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor, said state revenue will trail budget estimates by $3.7 billion this year. A shortfall of that size would trigger automatic cuts to social services, public safety and schools, as well as colleges and universities. Decisions on such cuts may be made next month.
