Archive for May, 2009

SACRAMENTO – The California Young Democrats (CYD) are extremely disappointed with Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposal to eliminate Cal Grants, a program that provides aid to 300,000 low-income college students. CYD does not support the Governor’s proposals because if passed it would jeopardize thousands of low-income students’ educations, leaving them at the mercy of ever-rising costs. CYD is encouraging all of its members and anyone else who supports California education to take a few minutes to call the governor and express their disapproval. Education is CYD’s top priority and the state of California must invest in its people in order to have success now and in the future.

“The University of California’s simple statement, that ‘if you’re ready to attend the UC, money shouldn’t stand in your way’ affirms the need for equality of opportunity.  Our university system, is tasked with providing not only a quality education, but also one that is affordable and accessible, as well,” said Ian Magruder, President, California College Democrats.  Magruder continued, “Yet, its egalitarian spirit is under fierce attack. Affordability has been abandoned by our governor, who has regrettably chosen short-term political expedience over long-term investment in the future of our great state.”

The people of California have already spoken and rejected all but one of the Governor’s proposals in the special election last Tuesday. Now, the Governor’s proposal to eliminate the Cal Grants Program would eliminate new awards for the High School Entitlement and Community College Transfer Entitlement programs and the CalGrant C Program. These eliminations will cut the state budget for education by $173 million for 2009-2010 and $450 million for 2010-2011. In addition to eliminating the new awards, the proposal also includes a complete decoupling of Cal Grants Renewals, which would eliminate the increase in award amounts for renewals associated with UC and CSU fee increases. To accomplish this, the Governor has proposed cutting the state budget by $28 million for both 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 26, 2009

SACRAMENTO – The California Young Democrats (CYD) are extremely disappointed by the California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Proposition 8, which bans same sex marriage.  CYD is encouraging its members to protest the Supreme Court’s decision today at Day of Decision events around the state http://dayofdecision.wetpaint.com and on Saturday, May 30th at 1pm at the City Hall in Fresno http://www.meetinthemiddle4equality.com.  The passage of Proposition 8 in 2008 saddened the 63% of young voters who voted NO, overwhelmingly rejecting the taking away of citizen’s rights.  The California Young Democrats will continue to fight for marriage equality, and will always stand up as advocates for universal civil rights.

Last June, the Executive Board of the California Young Democrats took the official stance of “Hell No” on Proposition 8, and since then have been actively involved with the campaign to earn equality for all.

“With skyrocketing college costs, cuts to public transportation, a flagging economy, and an endless war in  Iraq, it is outrageous to young people that the one thing they should be worried about is taking away the right for someone to marry the person they love,” said Alissa Ko, President of the California Young Democrats.  Ko continued, “I am proud to stand with the most diverse and progressive Generation in America’s history to say yes to fairness, and yes to marriage equality.”

Gorgeous!