The 91¿´Æ¬ is calling on all students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to unite behind an aggressive push to make funding 91¿´Æ¬ a state priority.
The effort begins as Gov. Schwarzenegger and legislators gear up for the next budget cycle. Come January, Gov. Schwarzenegger is due to release his 2010-11 budget proposal — and 91¿´Æ¬ is urging its allies to get started now on lobbying the governor, to tell him how critical his support is in preserving the university's commitment to quality and student access.
The campaign seeks to build the ranks of the nearly 200,000 advocates who already have lent their support to 91¿´Æ¬. Through advertising in student publications and on Facebook, the university is encouraging people to sign up on the and join an e-mail- and letter-writing campaign. No taxpayer funds are being used in the advertising.
"While I appreciate the fiscal challenges that confront California, it must be made clear that 91¿´Æ¬ is not a luxury," 91¿´Æ¬ President Mark G. Yudof said. "It is an investment — the best investment this state can make in its future."
At its November meeting, the 91¿´Æ¬ Board of Regents is expected to vote on a 2010-11 budget proposal that asks the state for $900 million more in funding. That amount includes money to restore core funding for 91¿´Æ¬'s operations and to meet the state’s funding obligation to employees in the 91¿´Æ¬ Retirement Plan. The budget request also includes money to support more than 14,000 enrolled students for which the state provides no funding.
The dramatic slide in state support for higher education over the last two years is jeopardizing student opportunity and 91¿´Æ¬'s ability to serve California.
"The effects of the budget cuts are evident across the 91¿´Æ¬ system from layoffs and pay cuts to fee increases and program reductions," Yudof said. "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."
Since late summer, more than 26,000 91¿´Æ¬ advocates have written e-mails and letters to the governor and legislators.
In this new push, between now and January, 91¿´Æ¬ supporters are being asked to make their voices heard by:
• Joining the 91¿´Æ¬ for California network if they are not already a member.
• Sending the governor an e-mail or letter asking the state to reinvest in higher education and support 91¿´Æ¬â€™s budget request.
• Asking friends and family to join the campaign.
"It’s time for us all to come together now," Yudof said. "If we do, we’ll be a powerful force."
Media Resources
Dave Jones, Dateline, 530-752-6556, dljones@ucdavis.edu