Lt. Gov. John Garamendi participated in a student
demonstration on the steps of the state Capitol last week, protesting student
fee increases and budget cuts that would adversely affect
public universities.
The demonstration, which drew hundreds of college students,
was organized and sponsored by the UC Students Association in response to the
state financial plan outlined by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger earlier this year.
“Over the last few years, UC and CSU student fees have
nearly doubled — our students can’t afford it, and our state can’t afford to
leave future generations out of
prosperity,” Garamendi said at the rally.
Garamendi, who has advocated increased transparency in
executive compensation practices at
public universities as well as a staunch opponent of continually rising student
fees, added that he will continue to fight the proposed fee increases.
“I have asked my fellow UC regents and CSU trustees to halt
these increases, which amount to a hefty tax on students, and I will keep up
this fight to ensure that
keeps its historical promise to put higher education within reach of every
student,” he said.
UC Student Regent Benjamin Allen expressed similar views.
“Six out of the past seven years, students have been asked
to pay more, and this year’s budget proposal adds insult to injury with the
possibility of bigger classes and fewer services,” Allen said. “It’s time that
our leaders in
education system that is worthy of
talented students.”
