Proposed cuts draw criticism

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting $7 million in the state budget from outreach programs in the California State University system, according to an Associated Students Inc. press release.

The Educational Opportunity Program, which provides academic and financial assistance for disadvantaged minority students, is one of many outreach programs that Sacramento State offers, according to the Admissions and Records Web site.

“Outreach programs are essential for recruitment and retention of college students of lower socio-economic standing,” said ASI President Angel Barajas, who participated in two outreach programs ?” the Educational Opportunity Program and the College Assistant Migrant Program ?” upon his graduation from Woodland High in 2000.

Before working with the two outreach programs, Barajas said he wasn’t considering attending a four-year college out of high school. He added that he is the first in his family to attend a four-year institution.

Barajas and Executive Vice President Robbie Abelon proposed a resolution at a March 22 board meeting asking Sac State President Alexander Gonzalez and the university to take a stand to assure that funding for outreach programs will be a priority and will not be reduced.

The legislation, if passed at today’s board meeting, will be distributed to Gonzalez, all outreach programs, and the ASI Budget Advisory Committee.

“Outreach programs ensure that the doors for higher education remain open to those who need it most,” Abelon said. He said such programs are important in order to continue to provide necessary opportunities for students.

“Outreach programs focus on recruiting high school seniors and community college transfers, and promoting CSUS goals of providing a quality and affordable education,” said Emiliano Diaz, director of Outreach Admissions and Records.

Student parking

Establishing student-only parking in Parking Structure III, which is currently being built near the football field, is the aim of legislation proposed by Barajas and Abelon.

According to an e-mail from Nancy Fox, manager of University Transportation and Parking Services, students pay $108 per semester for parking passes while faculty pay $63 ?” a 40 percent difference.

“Parking relief for the students of this university is long overdue,” Abelon said. “This would be a major victory for the students and for Sacramento State.”

The legislation will be voted on today, and if passed, will be the first step in ensuring that students have priority when the structure opens, according to a prepared statement by Barajas.

Barajas met with Gonzalez regarding the issue Friday and said Gonzalez expressed approval.

The structure, to be completed in January 2007, will add 3,043 new spaces and cost $30 million, according to Fox’s e-mail.

Legislation passes

One of the three bylaw measures that will be placed on the April 25-26 election ballot will reduce eligibility requirements to run for office.

All ASI bylaws must be passed by the board of directors in addition to being voted in by the student electorate. ASI passed the legislation on March 8.

Max Puckett can be reached at [email protected]