Impact on California

Could there be a day when Silicon Valley leaves California?

California's 21st century economy will require a well-educated and innovative workforce to remain competitive. In its recent report, "California 2025," the Public Policy Institute of California warned that the state will not be able to support its current economic standing and will have to instead recruit workers from outside the state, far more expensive than recruiting within.

The competitive advantage of our state is rapidly being thrown away. Since students lack political power, our leaders can neglect us with little political cost to themselves. But they do so at the peril of the state, eating the very seed corn that plants the California's future.

Our economy needs affordable higher education. So does our democracy. Today's electorate nowhere near reflects our population. A vibrant multi-ethnic democracy will depend on an informed citizenry.

The crisis for students is about much more than students. It is about the very future of our state.