FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 20, 2001

Contact: Rep. Galen Fox Tel.: [phone]

GOP: STRONG UH NEEDS

WELL-PAID FACULTY

The State House Republican Caucus has released the following statement

:

We believe that the salary increases requested by the University faculty are reasonable. For many months our leaders have made a lot of talk about how Hawaii's economic future lies with our ability to provide high quality education for island residents.

A first-rate university is essential to economic growth and the current antagonistic situation between the governor and the University of Hawaii's Professional Assembly is unacceptable.

The university's budget has consistently been reduced each year all the while leaders have spoken about the need to attract new business, the need for economic development, the need to provide our local residents with a quality education. Each of those needs runs parallel to the need to pay our educators a competitive wage.

We should also preserve and increase the autonomy of the University. This means less micromanaging by the legislature. Furthermore, this will mean changing the way the members of the Board of Regents are selected, so that they are appointed based on their qualifications and commitment to the future of the University system -- not on their politics.

If we are willing to make these systemic changes and pay our faculty and staff appropriately, then a new, stronger university will emerge.

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