News
Corporate Leaders Advocate for UCLA in Sacramento
April 25, 2007
On April 10, 2007, four of California’s top business leaders traveled to Sacramento to advocate on behalf of the University of California’s ten-campus system. Mr. Richard Ziman, Chairman, American Value Partners, LLC, led the UCLA delegation that comprised Mr. Richard A. Bergman, Chief Executive Officer, Bergman Group, Inc., Mr. David Fisher, Chairman, Capital Guardian Trust Company, and Ms. Sharalyn K. Staglin, Chief Executive Officer, Staglin Family Vineyard, and Ms. Rhea Turtletaub, Interim Vice Chancellor, UCLA External Affairs.
Completing the delegation were Keith S. Parker, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Government and Community Relations, Ramona Cortés Garza, Executive Director, State Government Relations, Belinda Barragan and Francesca Vega, Assistant Directors, State Government Relations.
The dedicated volunteers were on a mission to urge high-ranking legislative leaders and the Schwarzenegger Administration to continue the state’s financial support and investment in the University of California (UC). They made the case that sustained support for the University is a cost-effective investment in the future because UC serves as an economic engine for California. They also advocated the restoration of $19.3 million for academic preparation programs to the budget and for support of the Governor's proposed research and innovation initiative to help keep California on the leading edge of global competitiveness.
The delegation met legislative leaders, including Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman, and Assembly Minority Leader Michael Villines. Perta, Ackerman and Villines are members of the "Big Five," group comprised of the Governor and the majority and minority leaders in each house. The group meets informally throughout the year to discuss key budget issues and high-profile bills pending in the legislature. Compromises reached by this powerful group usually become law.
The Government and Community Relations staff is grateful to the outstanding corporate advocates that took time out of their busy schedules to ensure that the University of California and the state of higher education is addressed.
Click here for pictures from the 2007 UCLA Corporate Advocacy Day. |
