Eduardo-
Next week, following the UC Regents' meeting, I will be submitting a budget proposal to Governor Schwarzenegger that seeks to begin the urgently needed reinvestment in the University of California, Santa Barbara by the State of California.
The budget proposal for 2010-11 would restore a level of State funding for UC equivalent to what was provided in the 2007-08 fiscal year. It also calls for the State to fully fund student enrollments at UC and to meet its funding obligation to employees in the UC Retirement Plan. This restoration of funding is critical if the University is to continue providing student access and serving Californians with superior educational, research and medical facilities.
This proposal comes as the governor is developing his January budget proposal that will be considered by the California State Legislature - and that is why we are encouraging people like you, who care deeply about UC, to email the Governor now. Much more work will need to be done when the Legislature begins its budget deliberations in the new year. Click here to take action today.
Limits to opportunity. State budget cuts limit opportunity for students and endanger our teaching and research missions, which create new knowledge and new jobs. The effects of the budget cuts are evident across the UC system - from layoffs and pay cuts to fee increases and program reductions. Today, the State doesn't even provide funding for 14,000 of the students we enroll. Given what's at stake, it is imperative that the state provide the $900 million we are requesting to preserve access and quality for the people of California.
Governor Schwarzenegger knows the value of higher education. He's also facing a continuing state budget challenge. It is important that we take this time to remind the governor that UC is not a luxury or a "cost." Rather, to quote one of my predecessors, it is an investment - the best investment this state can make in its future. If you agree, now is the time to let the governor know. He needs to know how much you care, and how you're prepared to be vocal and persistent this coming year to prevent the University from a slide toward mediocrity through chronic budget cuts. All of us must join together to deliver this message.
Join the movement today. Write the governor today telling him how UC has made a difference in your life and why it's important to you that the State re-invest in higher education. Send your message to your friends and family, urging them to become UC advocates by signing up at http://www.ucforcalifornia.org/uc4ca/mlm/signup. Join us in standing up for the University of California, and standing up for the future.
With best wishes, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Mark G. Yudof
President
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