REFORM Continued from Page 1 Another trend that has grown during the Measure 5 crisis is the change in the organization of agency administrations Many legislators came to the session having read the new book Reinventing Government. Although the new book offers no set formula for success, it encourages more empowerment of workers and an orientation to long-term outcomes rather than a short-term view. These new tools and approaches are catching on and are helping take some of the guesswork and politics out of the Legislature's process for funding programs. Using these new techniques, legislators and administrators can find creative ways to save money. In higher education, for exam ple. students should be pre pared for two major new ideas. The first is a change to a more need-based tuition formula. If you have the money, you'll be paying more. The second is the new system of high tuition penalties if you keep taking classes beyond your graduation requirements. With exceptions for multiple majors, this might be acceptable to students as well. These strategies could save millions without causing too much detriment to the quality of education. But Measure 5 created a polit ical situation, not just a philo sophical debate. Because of the money crunch, and the politics, many sound plans are being tossed out because they don't fit into the priorities of the politi cians involved. Most everyone recognizes that college educations are the keys to 21st century employment and college-educated citizens require less social services later in life, but Intcause of the prior ities of the politicians in Salem, higher education will t>e taking one of the biggest hits of any state program. The budget process for next year isn't over yet, and it isn't clear exactly how everything will turn out. Legislators might prefer to take the easy way out and mere ly shift costs rather than cut costs. They could do this by charging higher user fees, or even privatizing agencies to remove the costs from the state's budget. The budget!! do have to be trimmed, but the trick is to find efficient way* to streamline, so that the same quality and quan tity of service is created for a cheaper price. Otherwise the service that people use does not become any cheaper, we just end up paying the bill at some other place or time. Simply downsizing govern ment is not guaranteed to bene fit the economy. Unfortunately, these kinds of shortcuts will invariably be taken. State government will farm out more responsibilities to the county and city levels Some services, like drug and alcohol treatment, will be privatized Fees will probably increase for things like park access and licenses. Services will be less available for thousands, hut for right now there are no good alternatives At the legislature there is bi partisan agreement that some form of tax reform should he referred out for voter approval. Speaker Larry Campbell has warned of the "massive hemor rhaging" if Measure 5 is allowed to take full effect without tax reform. By 1995 the shortfall is pro jected to be Si!.8 billion dollars That's enough money to fund 45 Universities of Oregon. A 6 per cent sales tax on most goods and services is projected to bring in just $2.2 billion. The key questions over tax reform will be twofold: How much new taxes as opposed to how much spending cuts, and where will those new taxes come from? High-powered lob byists are already peddling their personal versions of what fair ness is to them. Hut students can make their voices heard. There are two keys: education and involve ment Hut you don't have to be a political junkie to make your vote count. Students have a lobbying group, the Oregon Student Lobby. The group works full time at the Capitol testifying, watching the legislators and trac king the important bills. The ASUO also has its own political affairs coordinator. Philip Bent ley. Right now. things are moving very quickly at the Legislature, and most representatives have long staked out their harga.ning CYCLE flETNAlIf The country, the people, the fide you'll never forget. The first International bike ton of Vietnam from HANOI TO HO CHI MINH CITY JANUARY. 1994 <¥»#• at fca to* an qppicaftort CVCU VIETNAM PC Box 4481 Portland OR 97206 (503)331.1466 positions. Calling them up to complain now will not change their minds. However, bothering them might be just what you have in mind if you are the abrasive/cantankerous sort, you might enjoy pestering certain people’s offices. You can reach the Capitol switchboard at 1 800-327-7389. and they’ll put you through. This can lie fairly effective at slowing down an office. This is a hardball game, after all. A more civilized form of par ticipation is to involve yourself in o campaign. When tax reform gets to the hnllot there will be a hard-fought campaign against it Donating your time or money to (he Heart of Oregon Coalition, based in Salem, would be one of the most direct ways to support tax reform. The most overlooked form of activism is educating yourself and talking with your friends and family about what concerns you. Political support is a fragile thing, and oftentime if you're politically active you can moke the difference in someone else'* voting. Y'ou do have to work hard to win votes, but never he rude If you can't easily calm their con cerns. Ixi patient. Ask someono else for an insight, hut get hack to the person. Remember, never get frustrated if you've let your self get into a shouting match, you need to take a nap. or find someone else to talk with IsItAnMr to EOT Credit For Playing fwffff/rigWfftorts? For SllH|[R FgN$t Uiinersity of Orejl Yes — in the Physical Education Program! Jane 21 • Aagast 13.1883 While you are spending your summer in Eugene, why not take advantage of some of our special courses and workshops! All courses carry university credit and are also open to noncredit participants. Golf Touring (l credit) Fridays, June 21-Julv 16; repeated July 19-Augusl 13; PE 341 What a great way io spend Friday mornings' This class meets at a different golf course each *eek Professional golfer Rob Lindsey teaches this course Rock Climbing (1 credit) June 21 July 16, PEOL251 KuUt CitaUHit^ examines this popular sport with pracucc «n'|rt mfornution Self-Defense (1 credit) June 21-August 13, PF.PE 408 IV. tty increase sell toofttknet to aw*! unr uled situ# rts TtiChi {fcitdit)Junc21-July 16, repealed July 19-Augusi 13; PEI 131,132 Broaden your horizons ami gam some cultural insight General Activity courses: The UO Service Physical Education Program regularly offers a variety of courses carrying 1 credit. Make summer fun and enroll in: Weight Training Tai Chi Yoga Soccer Scuba Aqua-Aerobics Swimming Aerobics Karate Billiards Golf Volleyball Softball Tennis Walking Fitness Get the details in the UO Summer Session Bulletin or call (503) 346-1050. Recreation and Intramurals (RIM) If you don t need the credits, but you want to stay in shape this summer, then lake advantage of the opportunities to swim, lift weights, play racquetball, tennis, or jog. For more information on how to join RIM classes, stop by 103 Gerlinget Hall or call (503) 346-4121 Put the power of Oregon Daily Emerald advertising to work for you. Call 346*3712.