2008 Woodie Awards
Kassing, CSU alumni meet with legislators
Kyle Hansen
Issue date: 3/21/07 Section: News
Levers said that he was glad to be able to add his perspective as a graduate of SJSU and now a business operator in Silicon Valley.
"What you realize is that it is one thing for someone from the university organization to come in and say 'please fund us,'" he said. "... How much stronger is the message when, as an alumnus, I can say 'I came out of this organization and here is my experience'?"
Members of the delegation visited Assemblyman Jim Silva, who is a SJSU alumnus. They also talked with staff members from six other members of the legislature representing the San Jose area.
Stake said that the group had three main goals in meeting with members of the legislature, to increase the amount of money included in the state budget for the CSU system, to improve financial aid and increase student services.
Stake said that the governor's proposed budget cuts $7 million from the CSU outreach programs. These funds are important in recruiting students and helping them prepare to enter a university. Stake said that the group asked the legislature to not cut these funds.
Stake also said that the CSU is also asking the legislature for $27.6 million to fund a pay increase for CSU employees. In addition, the university system has asked the governor for $24.6 million to fund student services, such as counseling and tutoring.
The group from SJSU also heard CSU Chancellor Charles Reed speak and joined the other CSU campuses in honoring an alumnus of the year from each campus. SJSU's honored alumnus was Washington public affairs strategist Leslie C. Francis.
The delegation also participated in a reception Monday evening for SJSU alumni who work in the Sacramento area. Smith said the reception was well attended and that the alumni were very supportive of the school.
Associated Students Legislative Director Michael Reyes said that students and representatives from A.S. will be participating in another legislative day with the California State Student Association on April 16.
"What you realize is that it is one thing for someone from the university organization to come in and say 'please fund us,'" he said. "... How much stronger is the message when, as an alumnus, I can say 'I came out of this organization and here is my experience'?"
Members of the delegation visited Assemblyman Jim Silva, who is a SJSU alumnus. They also talked with staff members from six other members of the legislature representing the San Jose area.
Stake said that the group had three main goals in meeting with members of the legislature, to increase the amount of money included in the state budget for the CSU system, to improve financial aid and increase student services.
Stake said that the governor's proposed budget cuts $7 million from the CSU outreach programs. These funds are important in recruiting students and helping them prepare to enter a university. Stake said that the group asked the legislature to not cut these funds.
Stake also said that the CSU is also asking the legislature for $27.6 million to fund a pay increase for CSU employees. In addition, the university system has asked the governor for $24.6 million to fund student services, such as counseling and tutoring.
The group from SJSU also heard CSU Chancellor Charles Reed speak and joined the other CSU campuses in honoring an alumnus of the year from each campus. SJSU's honored alumnus was Washington public affairs strategist Leslie C. Francis.
The delegation also participated in a reception Monday evening for SJSU alumni who work in the Sacramento area. Smith said the reception was well attended and that the alumni were very supportive of the school.
Associated Students Legislative Director Michael Reyes said that students and representatives from A.S. will be participating in another legislative day with the California State Student Association on April 16.
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