Cal State University Faculty Statement on “Fees” Vs. “Tuition”
By Lillian Taiz
California Faculty Association
Words matter. Everyone knows it's true, even though some would deny it.
That is why a little item on the agenda at the California State University Trustees meeting this week jumped out at those of us who believe that our state university is an investment in the future by making sure higher education is available to every Californian who can benefit from it.
That agenda item notified the Trustees and the public that the CSU Chancellor plans to issue an executive order that student "fees" charged to attend the CSU henceforth shall be known as "tuition."
Legislative Analyst Office Report Projects State Budget Deficit Next Year at $25.4 Billion
By Mary Omoto
California Disability Community Action Network
The Legislature’s chief budget analyst – the non-partisan Legislative Analyst Office (LAO), released a report yesterday that projects that California’s budget deficit will swell to $25.4 billion by the end of the 2011-2012 State Budget year that will likely mean more sweeping spending cuts to major state programs next year. It will also likely mean a special session of the Legislature early next year to take steps to confront the crisis.
The Legislative Analyst, in its report said that “…we estimate that the Legislature and the new Governor will have to address a budget problem of $25 billion between now and the time that they agree to a 2011–12 state budget plan” and projects on-going budget deficits for the State of at least $20 billion through 2016 unless “corrective” action is taken by the Governor and Legislature.
Gang Injunctions: An Important Tool Protecting Our Communities
By Assemblymember Mike Davis
Gang activity and violence is a major problem plaguing our communities. On a daily basis young men are gunned downed or stabbed by dueling gangs. Innocent bystanders are also often caught in this crossfire. It is not uncommon to hear of children, even infants, being fatally struck by stray bullets from the guns of gang members.
According to a 2009 report by the Violence Policy Center, 32.7 percent of homicides in California are gang related. Furthermore, the largest percentage of male homicide victims (37.5 percent) are victims of gang-related homicides.
Gangs typically take over neighborhoods exerting power and control over several blocks of a city. Within their “territory,” gang members extort from businesses (for “protection”), steal cars, deal drugs, and run prostitution schemes. Make no mistake, residents live under the authority of these gangs. Crimes occur within eye sight but individuals are intimidated and scared into remaining silent.