SACRAMENTO — In a letter sent today, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell urged the Legislature and Governor Schwarzenegger to reach agreement that would restore $20 million in operational start-up funding for the University of California, Merced.

"If this cut in funding for UC Merced remains in the final budget agreement, all planning for opening of the campus in the fall of 2005 will stop. This is a terrible consequence that will only serve to punish the students. There is a critical need for additional higher education opportunities for students around the state and in California's Central Valley, which has historically been underserved by the UC system.

"I urge you to restore the funds and encourage the Legislature and the Governor to reach agreement in the course of budget negotiations that will allow UC Merced to open as scheduled. Students who have a dream to pursue a UC education should not be denied this opportunity."

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Attachment

Letter