This past week, I sent the following letter (copy) to Chancellor Rogers expressing my concern over the impacts from potential deep budget cuts our state could experience. The letter was included with other letters of concern and forwarded to the Governor.
David Bobzien
Assemblyman, Nevada District 24
October 2, 2008
Jim Rogers
Chancellor
The Nevada System of Higher Education
5550 West Flamingo Rd, Suite C1
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Dear Chancellor Rogers,
As a new legislator with one regular session under my belt, I constantly seek more information to aid me in making informed decisions. I read your weekly memos with great interest. There is no doubt that the state simply does not have the resources to meet the needs of Nevada’s growing student population in K-12 and higher education. However, cutting budgets at a time when student population and costs are rising would set the state back many years, if not decades. I agree with your position that additional cuts to the university system would be devastating. In fact, I am motivated to ensure that all of K-16 education is appropriately funded, while at the same time making sure every dollar is well spent.
My goal this coming session is to work with you and my fellow legislators to find more efficiency measures. There is no doubt we can do business more efficiently. I commend Assemblywomen Debbie Smith and Marilyn Kirkpatrick for their efforts to put an end to outdated, unfair, and ineffective tax breaks. I am encouraged by Speaker Barbara Buckley’s dialogues with communities to find ways the state can best deliver its services. It is through these collaborative efforts that we will modernize state government operations. In the end, we must ensure we are not cutting pennies and losing future dollars.
Education is the driving force for Nevada’s economy. It produces the human and intellectual resources necessary to grow Nevada’s economy. Cutting spending for education would be counterproductive. I will do my best to stop additional cuts. I will do my best to provide for the education needs of Nevadans.
Thank you for your dedication to education.
Sincerely,
David Bobzien
