a break in the clouds
it may be odd to those who have known me for a while that i have chosen to be political about the state of california's economy, and in particular, the university system, if only because i've never really taken a stance or chosen to be informed on much of anything. but it just takes one little spark to ignite passion, right?
good news from the state capitol today, via our chancellor:

"Governor Schwarzenegger recently released the “May Revision”, proposing the restoration of $305 million that was cut from the University’s budget on a “one-time” basis in 2009-2010, and offering $51 million to cover a portion of our unfunded student enrollments. I was particularly heartened that the Governor also proposed full funding for the Cal Grant program, which is critical to our efforts to preserve affordability for students.
...
Separate from the operating budget, the Governor also has proposed $355 million in capital construction bond funds for facilities projects on UC campuses. These projects would stimulate private-sector job creation and take advantage of current construction costs while also addressing a number of pressing facilities needs.
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Final decisions over spending priorities will be especially difficult this year, but I hope lawmakers will agree that an investment in UC is an investment in the people and programs that can help lift the state’s economy. We will continue pressing the case for supporting the quality and competitiveness of the University."

i encourage you to become involved in advocating, as a private citizen, for the university of california’s budget needs by joining the UC for California network at http://advocacy.ucsd.edu. your advocacy results in funding for future generations of state tax payers... so the more you educate them, the better jobs they get, which means higher income, resulting in more taxes collected! everybody wins!
current mood: the future looks bright