Resolution in Support of the University of California

WHEREAS, the University of California is a leading educational institution with an international reputation as one of the best public universities in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the California Master Plan for Higher Education, adopted by the state in 1960, committed the University of California to admit students from the top one-eighth of each high school graduating class, and UC has sustained California’s economy for more than a century, and California’s future economic success is being supported at UC campuses where new innovations are being discovered and the next generation of business, science, and community leaders are being trained; and

WHEREAS, over the last four years the state has reduced its financial support for the UC system by 16% while student enrollments have increased by 16%; UC has absorbed dramatic cuts to research and development programs; students and families have been forced to handle significant fee increases; the Governor has proposed increasing Graduate Student tuition by 40%; and the University’s ability to continue delivering on its promises for California is increasingly at risk because of deep, continuing state budget cuts;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Santa Clara County Democratic Party urges the Governor and Legislature to find solutions to the state budget crisis that do not jeopardize the University of California’s ability to provide access for eligible students, adequate financial aid for those in need, and continued programs in K-12 schools to help students prepare for college; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Santa Clara County Democratic Party urges the Governor and the Legislature to continue to support UC R&D programs by continuing to fund the hiring of world-class faculty and attraction of the most talented graduate students.