Alberto Torrico was on campus Monday for a meet-and-greet as well as to talk about Prop AB656, a proposition that would tax oil companies for drilling in California and give the money directly back to higher education. As the author of the proposition, he was able to take many students’ and faculty’s questions as well as talk about the bill.
The bill, which Torrico presented to the California legislature, would help the current budget crisis on California colleges, as was explained in the meet-and-greet. “It’s not fair that the state will spend more on prisons than the UC, CSU, and community college combined,” Torrico discussed to the congregation on Monday. “AB 656 creates new funding sources, and charges oil companies for oil. …100% goes to higher education.” He further went on to state that the oil companies would be charged 9.96% per barrel in order to gain more money for higher education.
Many student leaders support passing the bill, as their funding has been cut both in their education and in events. Tori Hofius, San Jose State’s Associated Student’s Director of Business Affairs supports the bill, stating, “This is a logical step in California’s economy. As one of the states that are suffering the most, it only makes sense to tax our biggest export and put that money to good use.” Hofius has personally seen budget cuts negatively affect her job as Director of Business Affairs in a number of ways. “After we realized the extent of the budget cuts, I created a board to review the services A.S. offers. This board will look at and decide whether or not certain events and services are cost effective and fiscally successful.”
AB 656 will take two-thirds of the legislative vote to pass; thus, Torrico is looking to students to help voice their concern. “This needs to be led by young people—a grassroots movement to change the way the state is run.” He passed out letters in which students could sign and send to the California Legislature to further show their support.
Torrico is visiting eight different CSU campuses this week to promote and gain support for the bill.
Good job on this, but your lead needs work: tighten it up, ID Torrico, and put the focus on the news (his efforts to get support for his bill) not on his appearance on campus.
ReplyDeleteStart a new paragraph with each quote.
Write out "percent"
Glad to see you included a quote from a student.
13/15