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

With growth in the CSU system skyrocketing, support from the state government is a must in preserving the quality of our education. The portion of the budget that involves the CSU system leaves $64.2 million to be divided into a number of initiatives, including $36 million for linking higher education with the K-12 system. This includes the Governor?s K-12 Technology Training Initiative, which is designed to help teachers learn to use technology in the classroom. It also funds for 1,000 annual Governors Teaching Fellowships, which provide students who agree to teach at low-performing schools for four years with non-renewable graduate teaching fellowships. The budget provides funds for other programs as well, including $8 million to expand the relationship between CSU professors and California high school teachers that may help to increase proficiency in math and English for incoming students and $10 million to enhance strategic academic programs like agriculture, nursing and biotechnology.

These programs will no doubt help the CSU in obtaining its many goals over the next few years. Additionally, with more funding, the CSU would be in a better position to serve student interests. With an outdated infrastructure at many of its campuses, the CSU will have its hands full over the next few years trying to update their 23 campuses.

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 Parking, fees and outdated buildings could all be improved for students if more funding were provided to the CSU system.