SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Loni Hancock (D-Richmond/Berkeley) voiced her strong commitment to higher education, calling the budget agreement announced today by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to reduce higher education funding a step backwards for California parents and children trying to advance their futures.

“For the first time in nearly 50 years, Governor Schwarzenegger says we must break California’s promise of a college education at a public university for all who are qualified. The generations before us built the greatest public university system in the country. Contrary to the Governor’s actions, it is our responsibility to maintain this noble institution. We must not be the generation that dismantles an educational system that is key to achieving the American Dream,” said Assemblywoman Hancock.

Assemblywoman Hancock reacted strongly to the announcement of the deal made by the Governor and the university systems. Under an agreement with Robert Dynes, president of the University of California System, and Charles Reed, chancellor of the California State University System, the university systems will accept the Governor’s January cuts in exchange for a compact to provide more money in the future.

“We owe it to California’s children, who deserve the opportunity to receive an outstanding education that prepares them for a stable and responsible economic future. We all benefit from an educated population. Our community colleges, state universities and the University of California prepare a competitive workforce that drives the growth of California’s economy,” the Assemblywoman said.

While there are small increases in funding in future budget years – albeit from funds that have yet to be identified – the deal announced today includes a host of proposals from Schwarzenegger’s January budget plan opposed by higher-education officials and legislative Democrats. Among them were enrollment caps, which are forcing many students who would otherwise be admitted to Cal State and UC campuses this fall to attend community colleges, reduced financial aid and increased student fees. Under the plan proposed today, UC and CSU fees will increase by 10% each year for at least three more years. Fees have already been sharply increased in recent years.

“The Governor has gone over the heads of the Legislature to make this deal. I hope Californians will do the same and go straight to the Governor with their outrage,” concluded Assemblywoman Hancock. “As for my role in the State Assembly, I will continue advocating for K-16 education – an issue that is in our own best interest, as well as our children’s.”