All CSU students should join the California Faculty Association,California State Student Association, and the California StateUniversity in supporting Governor Gray Davis’ proposed 2001-2002 budget. The proposed budget will do wonders for a CSU system in much need ofmore funding.

With growth in the CSU system skyrocketing, support from the stategovernment is a must in preserving the quality of our education. Theportion of the budget that involves the CSU system leaves $64.2 millionto be divided into a number of initiatives, including $36 million forlinking higher education with the K-12 system. This includes theGovernor?s K-12 Technology Training Initiative, which is designed tohelp teachers learn to use technology in the classroom. It also fundsfor 1,000 annual Governors Teaching Fellowships, which provide studentswho agree to teach at low-performing schools for four years withnon-renewable graduate teaching fellowships. The budget provides fundsfor other programs as well, including $8 million to expand therelationship between CSU professors and California high school teachersthat may help to increase proficiency in math and English for incomingstudents and $10 million to enhance strategic academic programs likeagriculture, nursing and biotechnology.

These programs will no doubt help the CSU in obtaining its many goalsover the next few years. Additionally, with more funding, the CSU wouldbe in a better position to serve student interests. With an outdatedinfrastructure at many of its campuses, the CSU will have its hands fullover the next few years trying to update their 23 campuses.

The State Hornet believes that this budget is the first in several stepsto updating the CSU system and preparing it for the future surges inenrollment. Most student complaints about our campus are centered onareas that could be improved with increased funding. Parking, fees andoutdated buildings could all be improved for students if more fundingwere provided to the CSU system.