Governor’s Budget Boosts College Fees

Re “Schwarzenegger Expected to Raise College Fees 10% to 44%,” Jan. 8: As the father of one college student, with two more on the way, I was initially upset about the stiff fee increases at the University of California proposed by our new education-oriented, no-new-taxes governor. After all, assuming a 10% increase on the annual cost of $5,530 over four years for three sons, it will cost at least $6,600 more for my children to get a university education. And that’s assuming they don’t go to graduate school, with its 40% increase.

Then, upon reflection, I realized the wisdom of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ways. I just saved $250 licensing the new car I bought so they could get to school. Shrewd.

Russell Kussman

Los Angeles

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For the last year and a half or so, I have seen and heard students at my campus decrying the previous fee increase as being a result of the evil Bush war machine. Or some charge that it is a conspiracy against low-income families and minorities. They have held protests on campus, numbering in the low hundreds out of a campus of about 30,000 students, written letters to the university newspaper, hosted walkouts of classes and disturbed other students who have stayed in class.

Our education system is in a fiscal crisis along with the rest of the state. I do not have sympathy for those who feel they are entitled to a free education. The Cal State and UC systems remain two of the most affordable state-subsidized university systems in the nation for residents of this state. If there isn’t enough free money, do what many of us have done: Get a loan.

The majority of people are in college to obtain a degree that will grant them better employment. If so, they can pay back the loan after graduation. While Cal Grant money may be limited, there is no shortage of loans that students may apply for and receive at the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website (www.fafsa .ed.gov).

Elizabeth Peisner

Graduate Student

Cal State Northridge

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It’s unfathomable to me how Schwarzenegger can propose raising tuition and fees on the nearly 4 million students in California colleges and universities. These students attend college to better their lives and advance their careers. The knowledge and skills they gain from a college education bring direct benefits to California businesses. Yet by unfairly saddling students with this increased financial burden, the governor weakens the very people on whom California’s future depends.

I am certain that alternative cost-cutting measures can be found that make such drastic increases unnecessary. College administrations, capital and material expenses, class sizes and course offerings are areas that deserve greater fiscal scrutiny. Let’s find a way to solve this budget crisis without sacrificing the hopes and dreams of California’s young people.

W. Sean Chamberlin

Assistant Professor

Oceanography and

Geology, Fullerton College

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Schwarzenegger has repeatedly stated that we are all in this together and we all have to sacrifice to clean up the state’s budget woes. College students, we are now told, have to pay more fees and be willing to tighten their belts. I have to ask, what sacrifices is Schwarzenegger making? What of those in his tax bracket? Are they being called to chip in as well? Perhaps in addition to opening up the books to get rid of fraud, he could also audit the tax code to make sure everyone is paying his or her fair share.

Michael McLendon

Pasadena