From the 1960s to the 1990s the education system in California was second to none. People flocked to this great state so that their children not only had access to the K-12 system, but to a public university system that rivals the Ivy League.
The University of California system is a big player in the world of secondary education; however, with the recent budget cuts – and the plans for more – that may all be changing. This is a travesty and will only serve to tip the scales in the wrong direction.
Affordable, world-class secondary education is a big reason for the success of California. For every highly educated person produced by this system – thousands of tax dollars have flowed into the state. In an op ed piece for the Los Angeles Times Jeff Bleich wrote that the California public education system (particularly the California State University system -- but applicable to all post-secondary California public education) “...is being starved to death by a public that thinks any government service -- even public education -- is not worth paying for. And by political leaders who do not lead but instead give in to our worst, shortsighted instincts.”
Our leaders pander the public to win votes and then fail to keep their promises. Our K-12 system is victim to their devices and it looks as if the same fate will befall our universities as well.
California ranks near the bottom of the scale on per student educational funding. In fact, as a condition of receiving Federal Stimulus money of any kind, our leaders had to sign the equivalent of a contract with the Federal Government assuring that Sacramento would not cut the education budget any more than they already had. Now there are rumblings from Sacramento that they may go back on their word…or in the very least…find a loophole.
The solution to our budget crisis is difficult, but it cannot be made on the backs of our children, nor can it compromise our future. Education is the one equalizer in the world…the true path to riches…the one way a poor kid can reach the great American dream…or the even greater California dream...and the University of California is a direct path the these ends – for now.
It is time, California, to take a stand for how we want our future to be…it is time to stand on the rooftops and shout that we are not going to take it anymore.
Contact your California State Senator
Contact your California State Assembly Person
Will budget cuts cripple Californa Colleges USAToday
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