Calif. community colleges increasing enrollment

California’s community colleges are set to increase enrollment for the first time in years, and officials are crediting a voter-approved tax for the bump.

College officials announced on Wednesday that the state’s community college system is expected to add about 60,000 students this year.

Overall, the system had about 600,000 fewer students in 2012 than it did in 2008, as budget cuts during the economic downturn resulted in fewer course offerings. The state’s community colleges enrolled 2.3 million students last year, down from 2.9 million in 2008.

Community colleges must enroll all students unless there aren’t enough classes for them.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, officials say Proposition 30 – a tax measure approved by voters in November – is allowing schools to restore course offerings.