Thousands of California college students are keeping a close eye on state budget negotiations. They’re worried that a lack of a state budget will mean they won’t have enough money to pay their tuition.

Monte Stilmon, 22, who just finished his classes at Sacramento City College, is supposed to leave for University of California, Riverside in two weeks. “I’m going to study film, visual culture and creative writing,” he said. He was hoping he’d have a Cal Grant to help him pay for his expenses. “The money will increase once I get to the university level, and I will need it because every other fee will increase: paying rent, deposits and also transportation.”

But Stilmon may be a little short because he won’t get those funds unless state lawmakers approve a state budget. “I’m kind of worried about it. You awarded me. It’s kind of a false reward if you know what I’m saying.”

Hundreds of other students at Sacramento City College are also depending on those Cal Grants. But the Los Rios College District is going to give students at all its colleges a hand when they pay their fees. Pat Maga, dean of students services, explained, “The district will step in and advance funds for our students to get their first payments so they won’t feel the effects of the budget not being passed.” The deal is expected to cost the college district $500,000 after classes begin next week.

Meanwhile, Stilmon has his fingers crossed hoping state lawmakers and a state budget will come through for him. “It’s not easy being a young college student doing it on your own.”

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 21st, 2007 at 8:45 pm and is filed under College Loans, Education. Tags: College, Grant, Student, Study. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.