As you know, Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed a constitutional amendment that would ensure California never again spends more on prisons than on universities.
This is a bold idea, one that could help the state return to its core values and priorities.
It could also give much-needed financial stability to our public universities by establishing a constitutionally mandated minimum for annual appropriations.
The governor understands how much is at stake. Until we reinvest in higher education, California's economic vitality is at risk.
We are still looking at the details of the governor's plan, but we are thrilled that after years of declining state support, higher education is finally being recognized for its essential role in helping California grow, in educating low-income students, in performing world-class research, in caring for the infirm and the needy.
For months, we have been calling on our political leaders to renew California's commitment to a strong, stable public university system, capable of creating opportunity for all. And the good news is we are being heard.
As positive as these developments are though, it will be several years, at best, before UC ‘s current budget problems could be fixed.
In the short term, we still face steep shortfalls — and this is where you can help. While we deeply appreciate the governor's proposal to restore $370 million in UC's funding, it's vital that lawmakers approve the full $913 million in additional funding sought by UC for next year.
Without it, we face further reductions in course offerings, larger class sizes, deeper cuts in campus services, and even more constraints on hiring needed faculty.
I ask each of you to speak up now.
Tell your legislators that it's time California resets its priorities and restores UC's funding. Higher education creates jobs, trains an educated work force, and supports the innovative thinking that can power our state out of recession.
Between now and July, when the Legislature is expected to finalize the budget, advocates for UC will be making a strong push to ensure that higher education is adequately funded.
If you're not already a UC advocate, please, please join us today. You can sign up online at UCforCA.org. Invite your friends and family members. Together we can make a difference. Thank you for your partnership.