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University of Central Oklahoma
THURSDAY October 1, 1992
The Student Voice Since 1903
Bond election may bring classrooms Improvements hinge on vote GOODWELL, Okla. (AP) — A proposed $350 million capital improvements bond issue would create an estimated 15,000 jobs while making possible the upgrading of campuses statewide, state education Chancellor Hans Brisch said Friday. "On some campuses, academic buildings have been completely closed due to unsafe deterioration, other campuses are wrestling with severe space deficiencies made worse by growing enrollments and still others are forced to prepare students for the 21st century workplace using outdated equipment," Brisch said.
Forgot it? Fax it
Passage could bring 15,000 jobs, pump $350 million into state coffers By Tami Watson
Staff Writer
A recent Edmond sales tax election left the University of Central Oklahoma without a new performing arts center, but an upcoming capital bond election may bring UCO funds to build new classrooms. On Nov. 3, Oklahomans will vote on State Question 649 and 650, a $350 million bond issue for capital investments in projects across the state. SQ 649 authorizes the state to issue the bonds and SQ 650 sets up part of the funding
mechanism required to retire the bonds. For the bond issue to go forward, both state questions must pass. Three-fourths of the monies collected from the bonds will go to education. The money designated for higher education would go towards new lab and classroom equipment, classroom and lab renovation, new building construction and renovation, computing equipment and health, safety and access projects. "These are some of the most critical capital needs of Oklahoma," said Peter Regan, UCO student. "And UCO would be a direct recipient of some of these funds."
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — If the dog eats your homework, that's one thing. But if your excuse is that you forgot it, then forget it — one school will accept it by fax. The principal of Barret Traditional Middle School gave out the school's facsimile number during an open house last week. Since then, Donald Matlock said, parents have taken him up on the offer about a dozen times, mostly faxing homework or medical forms.
Lawyer lashes legislatures DETROIT (AP) — A prosecutor who has been unable to make murder charges stick against Dr. Jack Kevorkian because of a gap in the law lashed out at legislators after the suicide-machine inventor helped a fifth person kill herself. "I think it's just a disgraceful disregard of their duty," Oakland County Prosecutor Richard Thompson said. "They'd rather deal with simple things like the state insect, the state flower." See World Wrap, page 4
Why it's needed Almost 25 years have passed since the State last received funds from a capital improvement bond, said Jeanie Edney, communications director of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. "We have not received system-wide funding for repairs and renovations of facilities," said Edney. "The enrollment in our colleges has doubled in these 25 years and we have run out of space to hold classes and laboratories to teach students."
Benefits to UCO Out of the monies designated to higher education, UCO would receive approximately $9.3 million, said Edney. "The bond issue will make available $6.4 million for a classroom building, $2 million for renovations of Howell Hall and approximately $825,000 for campus networking," said Edney. "I'm sure the money we receive won't cover the costs for the building, but it will be a good start," said Joacquin Stevens, UCO Student Government Association president. The money designated for campus networking would greatly increase communication among departments, faculty and students, said Edney. "UCO is very over-crowded," said Stevens. "We've even had to resort to portable buildings to accomodate students. A new building would greatly alleviate these problems."
Oklahoma benefits The bonds would also bring an immediate boost to
Jason Bridgeman concentrates egg-stra hard Tuesday during the Homecoming Laff Olympics held in UCO's Centennial Square. (Photo by Mike Simons)
Oklahoma's economy, said Edney. "Economists have estimated that the issue will bring approximately 15,000 jobs into the state," said Edney. "We will help the state by enhancing campuses and facilities and we will also be preparing students for economic success. "If the bond issue passes, it will immediately pump $350 million into our economy. This will encourage other businesses to come into our state, escalating economic growth," said Regan. "All of the needs we are trying to meet through the bond issue are academically oriented," said Edney. "When businesses see that academics is a priority, it will attract them to Oklahoma." "Our No. 1 priority is to prepare the students to be successful," said Edney.
Source of money "This does not require a general tax increase," said Regan. "The only one paying higher taxes will be those who play pull-tabs and charity bingo games." Existing cigarette tax revenue, revenue from Indian smoke shops and a one-half cent tax on bingo and "pull-tabs" will provide the funds. "Colleges and universities are the key to new jobs in Oklahoma," said Regan. "If the bond passes, we would most likely get the much needed classroom building. If it doesn't pass, we most likely won't." The SGA is planning to have information tables set up around campus to further educate students on the bond issue, said Stevens. For more information contact Stevens at ext. 3337.
A Look Inside: ✓ Bronchos ranked No. 14 in nation, page 8 ✓ Homecoming comes to UCO, pages 6 and 7