In this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes.
Benjamin Franklin said that two centuries ago, and it holds as much truth in California today as it did in the newly independent United States then.
Since he took office in January, Gov. Jerry Brown has been trying to garner support to extend taxes that were instated by his predecessor in 2009. The Schwarzenegger taxes were intended as a temporary two-year solution to the state’s budget woes, but California’s current fiscal crisis has moved Brown to hail the tax extensions as a worthy resort to sustaining our economy.
Without the revenue that these tax extensions would raise, the University of California will face dire consequences.
In a speech two weeks ago, Brown addressed these potential dangers: doubling tuition to more than $20,000 a year, shutting down campuses and reducing the amount of research the university conducts were among the possibilities raised.
For months, Republicans in the state legislature have halted Brown’s plan to balance the California budget by denying his motions to extend these taxes and initiate cuts. In order to pass the tax extensions, Brown needs a two-thirds majority in the state legislature.
In recent weeks, Brown’s strategy has shifted to touring the state and convincing millions of Californians to vote to have a special election that would pass his budget.
Desperate times call for action.
Our university is on the brink of facing the most difficult financial times it has encountered in decades. After two successive years of fee hikes, the threat of doubling tuition is not inconceivable considering the reality we have already experienced. And though the prospect of shutting down entire campuses seems unimaginable, California’s ability to overcome its financial crisis without raising new revenue is equally unlikely.
The choice is simple: pay more taxes or pay more tuition.
It’s time for UC students, faculty and staff to come together as a collective force and take a more active role in influencing the state legislature. Lawmakers in Sacramento need to feel the sting of tuition hikes and see firsthand how their decisions are manifested in our lives each day.
It is vitally important ““ especially for those registered to vote in districts with Republican congressmen ““ to build a campaign convincing these legislators to vote in favor of Brown’s tax extensions and limit cuts to the UC.
Writing letters and visiting the offices of these lawmakers are effective first steps in creating a movement that will bring the grim reality of the UC to the conscience of the state legislature and bring the possibility of new revenue to a vote.
Before making their financial decisions, lawmakers in Sacramento need to be reminded of what Franklin said about the fiscal nature of education.
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.