Minnesota faces an historic state budget deficit that economists predict will top $6 billion by spring. Governor Pawlenty is proposing severe cuts to social programs, including $153 million to the U of M.

For students, this will mean major increases in tuition and fees next fall at a time when we can least afford it! On top of this, layoffs, pay freezes, and big cuts to U programs and services are threatened.

Already tuition at the U of M has doubled since 2000, and average debt of graduates is $24,995, the highest in the Big Ten. As unemployment skyrockets, more youth are being priced out of higher education. We need to tell the state legislature: Dont balance the budget on our backs!

The final budget wont be decided until May, but now is the time to start organizing to make our voices heard. We therefore call on the Minnesota State Legislature, alongside the U of M Board of Regents and President Bruininks, to act on the following demands:

- No budget cuts to education!
- No tuition hikes, layoffs, or program cuts!
- Tax big business and the super-rich to guarantee the right to quality higher education for all, regardless of income!