BizFed has written this month to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in support of higher education reform that is key to developing a quality workforce for a changing economy. Read the letter below:

Dear Gov. Schwarzenegger, 

On behalf of the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed), representing more than 70 organizations with well over 100,000 business members, we are writing to voice our strongest support for much-needed efforts to boost investment and reforms in the state’s higher education system. 

As business leaders, we know that growing a talented, well-educated workforce is critical to economic prosperity in the 21st century economy.  We also understand the importance of return on investment when it comes to education and workplace performance. 

That is why we must find a way to increase our investment in higher education, which is one of the most vital links in ensuring a healthy economy through per capita income and a highly skilled workforce. 

We support the effort to institute meaningful education reform focused on workforce development amid the challenges faced in balancing such investment with the needs of the state budget. But more is needed for a true, long-term reform strategy, including recognizing and supporting the vital role played by community colleges, ensuring these institutions receive all of the funding guaranteed under voter-approved Proposition 98, and delinking the goals for educational investment to other portions of the state budget such as prison spending. 

At a time when other states and other countries have been increasing their support for education as a key economic driver, California must take strategic and bold steps to make accurate investments in this arena. 

We appreciate your dedication to this process, and would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you and your staff on moving ahead to bring meaningful reform – and sound, long-term investment strategies - to California’s education system.