For Immediate Release October 10, 2007

An “A” for Governor Patrick:

Upgrading our Public Campuses for the 21^st Century

The Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts (PHENOM) applauds Governor Patrick’s proposal to spend $2 billion over the next 10 years to repair and replace outdated structures and to build new research facilities at UMass and at our state and community colleges.

This was one of PHENOM’s top priorities this year and the coalition has been lobbying for such a bill since the spring. To have the kinds of schools our citizens deserve, adequate facilities are critical. Jacob Oliveira, a senior at Framingham State College, said, “Many schools have siphoned funds away from hiring faculty, others have raised student fees, and all have taken painful steps in order to do basic maintenance on old buildings. This is not the way to do education for the 21^st century.”

PHENOM is holding its 2^nd Higher Education Summit on October 26 at Framingham State College. Students, faculty, alumni, staff, and others from all parts of the Commonwealth will be discussing how to make sure the Governor’s proposal and other legislation to make high quality public higher education more affordable and accessible is passed this year. [More information at www.phenomonline.org]

“This is an important demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to public higher education. PHENOM will be mobilizing to make sure the Legislature shows the same commitment”, said Lisa Field, a library worker at Fitchburg State College, and President of AFSCME Local 1067.

For more information, please contact::

Alex Kulenovic, 617-291-5362, alex.kulenovic@gmail.com

Ferd Wulkan, 413-577-4121, wulkan@external.umass.edu