Thursday, March 12, 1998
Thumbs up/Thumbs down
Senate passes bond measure
Thumbs up to the State Senate, which approved an unprecedented
$9.2 billion school and university bond measure last Tuesday. The
bond passed 28-6, one vote more than the two-thirds majority needed
for approval by the senate. The bill is now on its way to the state
assembly, but it faces slim chances of passing there.
State officials have said that California is in need of $30
billion to $40 billion to repair and expand school facilities.
All six votes against the bill came from Republicans, including
Gov. Wilson, and the remaining five Republicans voted with the
Democrat majority. Democrats argued that since interest rates are
low, now is a good time for the state to borrow money by selling
bonds. They also emphasized the need for schools across California
to repair and build new classrooms, and also noted that polled
voters said they were willing to approve a bond proposal for
schools.
It’s refreshing to hear that the citizens of the state are
willing to invest in schools and education.
Recycling plan turns new leaf
Thumbs up to the increasing number of universities with sizeable
recycling programs. Among the latest schools to adopt a large-scale
recycling program is Oklahoma University. OU President David Boren
announced a comprehensive plan for campus-wide recycling, prompted
by earth-friendly students nearly five years ago. Students and OU
Earth members researched and introduced the issue to an advisory
committee last fall. The Recycling Advisory Committee, made of
students, faculty and staff members, worked toward drafting a final
plan to give to Boren. The plan includes seven products – paper,
aluminum, cardboard, glass, newspaper, plastic and steel cans.
UCLA needs to adopt a more comprehensive program as well. Maybe
it should take its cue from OU, Loyola Marymount and other
responsible universities across the country.
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down represents a majority opinion of the Daily
Bruin Editorial Board. Please send comments or suggestions to
viewpoint@media.ucla.edu