We should cut from the top at UW

LIKE MOST public universities, the University of Washington (UW) faces a deep budget crisis. The Democratic Party-controlled state legislature is refusing to raise significant taxes on the wealthy. Instead, it is trying to fill the $2.6 billion deficit with cuts in education and social services. This means millions more in cuts to the UW.

Though state funding is a key issue, at the UW itself, resources exist to mitigate the cuts on students and workers. Many top administrators make salaries of $150,000 or more. The Anti-Budget Cuts Coalition estimated that capping administrators' pay at $150,000 could save over $5 million, potentially saving the jobs of more than 100 lower-paid workers.

UW President Mark Emmert alone makes $920,000 a year, plus a free mansion and car allowance. At a student forum on budget cuts and financial aid on February 2, Emmert was asked about a salary cap. His response shows how out of touch he is:

"I took a salary cut already since I haven't received a raise since 2007." (True for most people at UW, most of whom make far less.)

"The Board of Regents sets my salary." (But he could still push for a cap, or even return part of his salary.)

"I don't expect to get a salary raise the rest of my life." (But he doesn't need one. He already makes in one year what many people take a lifetime to earn.)

The Student Worker Coalition at UW had signs and leaflets and spoke up at the forum. It has rallied at Board of Regents meetings. It is planning a one-hour student strike as part of the national day of action to defend public education on March 4.
Steve Leigh, Seattle