Higher Education
1. A Quick Overview
The U.S. higher education system is inherently unfair and financially crippling. It is a system meant to maintain an economic caste system and is unparalleled internationally.
In the Free Republic of California, higher education is free. Our next generation needs the freedom to develop the thoughts and inventions of tomorrow without the barrier of financial burden.
Our California Higher Education Fund allows for this commitment, as summarized in the Year One, General Budget (which breaks down the specific numbers as well), stating:
Californians deserve higher education. All developed countries offer education without the massive financial burden of the U.S. system, as should we. Wiping away tuition allows for a significant leveling of the playing field, while providing opportunities that lead to economic growth. Generations of graduates will be free from paralyzing debt, able to follow their true paths. With an allocation through the California Higher Education Fund of just over five percent of the total budget surplus, California can finance the in-state tuition and enrollment fees for the entire University of California, California State University and California Community College systems, provide stipends for Californians studying at private or out-of-state universities and create a fund to support higher enrollments across the board for low income applicants who are currently left out of the system.
This is not a one-off budgetary whim. It is cemented by our Constitution. Article 2, Section 10 requires that:
An equal opportunity to education free of charge is guaranteed.
Our students will benefit from the most enriching experience in the U.S., able to attend the the world’s premiere colleges and universities for free.
2. Influence Your Representatives
Write them all. It takes five seconds.
Here is some suggested text to use:
Dear _______________,
We are doing a disservice to not only our next generation, but all generations and the economy as a whole by creating barriers of entry for higher education. Higher education should be a right for the entire citizenry, not just the wealthy or those willing to sacrifice their financial future. We need to empower our young to launch into adulthood as intellectually and financially strong as possible.
Please reallocate discretionary budget funds to support higher education for all eligible students. The next Einstein or Marie Curie is waiting on this change and the Pentagon will survive with a few less billion.
The benefit far outweighs the expense.
Sincerely yours,
X
