The Emeritus Students Union, an independent member-supported association of students attending Emeritus College, has launched a website: www.emeritusstudents.org to assist in the state-wide campaign to continue funding for older adult classes.
ESU President Harriet P. Epstein said a bill by Sen. Carol Liu, SB173, was making its way through the state legislature.
“If it becomes law, funding for these classes will end. Despite California’s promise to provide a ‘lifetime of learning’ for all segments of its population, some 485,434 seniors will lose their programs,” Epstein said. “The saving to the state, $26 million, is so tiny compared with other education categories that it makes no sense for the cutoff at a time when California is enjoying a modest budget surplus.”
As part of its effort to educate citizens about the benefits Emeritus College brings to the community, the ESU encourages local clubs and business organizations to schedule a free student speaker by contacting the ESU Speakers Bureau through its website.