$103 Million

Arizona State Legislators have proposed a $103 million mid-year cut to U of A. That, piled on top of the $20 million cut already taken this year means even more hardship for the university and its employees and students.

Pres. Shelton's thoughtful video response to the cut can be viewed here. (We disagree with him so often that it's important to note: We agree with him on this one!)

http://uanews.org/node/23426

Also read his statement to the Daily Wildcat:

http://media.wildcat.arizona.edu/media/storage/paper997/news/2009/01/16/News/Legislature.Floats.Big.Cuts.To.Ua-3588002.shtml

Our favorite line: "And we encourage every citizen of this state who cares about their quality of life - who wants their children or grandchildren to have an opportunity to attend a quality university - to speak up now and to speak loudly," Shelton said.

How long will it take AZ to realize that failing to invest in education will result in the dumbing down of our population? We may see savings by cutting now, but 10 years from now what kind of business will locate itself in AZ? How can we expect anything short of mediocre citizens if we are unwilling to educate our future leaders?

Have you written an angry letter to your state legislator yet? Make sure to tell them you vote on education. You care about your children, your students and yourself and you won't vote for anyone who doesn't.

http://www.azleg.gov/CommitteeInfo.asp?Committee_ID=20
http://www.azleg.gov/CommitteeInfo.asp?Committee_ID=17
http://www.azleg.gov/CommitteeInfo.asp?Committee_ID=9

Don't know which legislator is yours? http://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp

While you're online anyway, check out the Tucson Citizen article on majors that may be cut in the coming semester.

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/local/107792.php