Letter to the Editor: by Das Williams Santa Barbara City Councilman and candidate for the 35th Assembly District

“As a teacher, former student and graduate of our UC system, I am sorely disappointed by the Regents’ vote to hike student tuition fees for the second year in row. Their decision displays short-sighted planning and a disregard for the hardships this will create for over 190,000 students and their families; it was also completely unnecessary given that both students and workers came together to propose viable and fair alternatives. Of course, much of the blame must be laid on the State Legislature for passing a budget that doesn’t address the educational needs of this State.”

“These fee increases will put the dream of a college education out of reach for thousands. Our higher education system is California’s economic engine. To make an economic recovery and compete in the global economy, California is going to need more college graduates, not less. Now is not time to be limiting access to our Universities and making it harder for our students to stay in and graduate.”

“We are all aware that times are tough, but balancing the UC budget on the backs of students was not the solution. Its unfortunate that the UC Regents failed to recognize what their tax on students will really do right now, which is halt California’s fiscal recovery and jeopardize our economy.” - Das Williams