Campaign '92 Issue University of Central Oklahoma
THURSDAY October 29, 1992
The Student Voice Since 1903
AmEx plans cut 4,800 jobs NEW YORK (AP) — American Express Co. said it will eliminate 4,800 jobs at its card and travel division under a major restructuring that resulted in a $342 million third-quarter charge against earnings. The restructuring and other problems caused American Express Monday to post a third-quarter loss of $205 million. American Express has faced intense pressure from other credit card issuers.
AIDS hotlines may confuse more than help ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) —AIDS hotlines often give out information that's misleading, oversimplified -orjustplain wrong, a survey has found. "They actually generate a lot of anxiety, although overall they probably do more good than not," said Dr. Stephen Gluckman of Cooper Hospital in Camden, N.J., who directed the survey. In the survey, drama students called 33 hot lines pretending to be people infected with the AIDS virus or people who were well but worried. The answers they got varied widely. Gluckman attributed the poor advice to haphazard training and often nonexistent counseling experience among the volunteers who staff the hot lines, which are intended to clear up confusion about the disease. See
World Wrap, page 5
University of Central Oklahoma students study outside on the lawns and take advantage of the cool fall weather. From left, Jenny Palmer (freshman), Tracey Pearson
(freshman) and Shantel Parker (junior) concentrate on their homework in front of Murdaugh Hall last week. (Photo by Mike Simons)
Classroom construction hinges on passage of questions 649, 650 By Tami Watson Staff Writer If the University of Central Oklahoma is going to get a new classroom building anytime in the near future, Oklahoma voters must pass a $350 million capital improvements bond issue in Tuesday's election. In order for the bonds to be issued, both State Question 649 and State Question 650 must be passed. SQ 649 authorizes the state to issue the bonds to build, remodel and repair state buildings and make other capital improvements, mostly involving institutions of higher education. SQ 650 sets up the funding mechanism required to retire the bonds. This measure will legalize instant lottery pull tabs while issuing a tax on these pull tabs, as well as bingo cards and equipment.
"This does not require a general tax increase," said Peter Regan, UCO student and aid to UCO president, George Nigh. "The only ones 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. Three-fourths of the monies will go toward higher education, which hasn't received capital funding for several years. "It has been almost 25 years since Oklahoma Higher Education received a large infusion of capital," said U.S. Sen. David Boren. "Today we serve twice as many students in our colleges and universities as we did in 1968." Out of these monies designated to higher education, UCO would receive approximately $7.4 million
which would go toward a new classroom building.
will also be preparing students for economic success."
"UCO is very overcrowded," said Joacquin Stevens, UCO Student Government Association president. "We've even had to resort to portable buildings to accomodate students. A new building would greatly alleviate these problems." "I'm sure the money we receive won't cover the costs for the building, but it will be a good start," Stevens added.
"If the bond issue passes, it will immediately pump $350 million into our economy. This will encourage other businesses to come 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. "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 bond issue will provide critically needed facilities to help our students compete nationally and internationally," said Boren. "It is truly an investment in our future and in educational excellence."
The passage of the bond issue will also bring an immediate boost to Oklahoma's economy, said Jeanie Edney, communications director for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. "Economists have estimated that the issue will bring approximately 15,000 jobs into the state," she said. "We will help the state by enhancing campuses and facilities and we