Issue date: 11/25/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Jennifer Lemos ASI President Miguel Cervantes chats with students after the state of the stdents address on Tuesday. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Jennifer Lemos ASI President Miguel Cervantes and his sister C.A.M.P. Outreach Counselor Adriana Cervantes hug after the state of the student address on Tuesday. [Click to enlarge]

During his State of the Students Address, Associated Students, Inc. President Miguel Cervantes called upon students to do their part to fight budget cuts.

In the address, Cervantes also updated the audience about the progress of the five strategic planning priorities.

"The lack of funding to the California State University system has impacted affordability, quality and accessibility," Cervantes said. "The CSU cannot bear any further cuts."

For many students, budget cuts could effectively put their education on hold. As fees have increased, students are working more hours to pay for their education, he said.

Victoria Thomas, freshman biological sciences major did not know much about ASI, but the address made her want to learn more about the student government.

"Basically, I learned a lot more about the ASI and I learned that they are really here to help us," Thomas said. "If we have any problems, we can talk to them and start having more changes that we want to happen for Sac State."

Luis Cortes, freshman civil engineering major, felt Cervantes clearly conveyed the budget situation for students.

"I was researching about the budget cuts, but (the address) made me understand more about it," He said. "He stressed more about the situation we are in… it seems to me like a really horrible hole for us to get out of."

Juan Puga, freshman communications and ethnic studies major, said Cervantes' speech drew the connection between the state budget and students' ability to pay for school.

"That's a big thing for any incoming or current college student," he said. "Financial aid may decrease, classes may become shortened."

Cervantes said student collaboration with staff, faculty and administration was also a focal point in fighting proposed cuts.

"In unity, we will go far," he said. "In unity, we can overcome any obstacle that may come our way."

Ben Schilter can be reached at bschilter@statehornet.com

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