SUBJECT:

Statement from President Dynes

For your information, the following is a statement from the University of California President Robert C. Dynes regarding Propositions 55, 57, and 58 on the March 2 California primary ballot.

If you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact Sylvia Lepe-Askari at extension 4-5357.

Margaret F. Pryatel Assistant Vice Chancellor

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 3, 2004
Abby Lunardini (510) 987-9004
abby.lunardini@ucop.edu

STATEMENT

University of California President Robert C. Dynes issued the following statement today (March 3) regarding Propositions 55, 57, and 58 on the March 2 California primary ballot.

Propositions 57 and 58, sponsored by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, authorize a $15 billion bond to help reduce the State of California's budget deficit. Proposition 55 is a $12.3 billion bond measure to fund facilities improvements in California's public schools and higher education facilities, including at the University of California.

"I am greatly heartened by the apparent decision of California voters to approve Propositions 55, 57, and 58. While both the State of California and the University of California still face major budget challenges, the passage of these ballot measures will prevent even worse damage to UC programs that have a deep impact on educational opportunity, economic growth, health, and quality of life in California.

"Without the economic recovery bond authorized by Propositions 57 and 58, the state would have been forced into deeper budget cuts that could have further diminished what the University is able to accomplish for our students and for the people of our state. The budget cuts that have occurred already at the University are very deep.

"The apparent passage of Proposition 55 will allow us to move forward with some very important facilities projects at UC campuses. These projects include earthquake and life-safety improvements, construction of new buildings to meet the demands of long-term enrollment growth, and renovations to ensure that our research and instructional facilities keep up as technologies and academic programs evolve. Safe, modern facilities are central to our ability to continue preparing the workforce and producing the research innovations that are so important to California's economy."