California Lieutenant Governor,  Eleni Kounalakis visited Cal State Bakersfield on April 27 to meet with President Dr. Vernon B. Harper Jr. and discuss  the future site of the Energy Innovation Building, and the impact of the  budget cuts which are still a reality for higher education.

The Energy Innovation Building was made possible by a $83 million state grant approved by Governor Gavin Newsom. The Energy Innovation building would focus on research for the future of energy in the San Joaquin Valley.

Dr. Jason Watkins, Director of Basic Needs, and Joel Kirskey, Edible Garden Coordinator, gave a tour of the garden to demonstrate what students can achieve with proper resources.

California is known for being one of the largest producers and exporters in agriculture, especially in Kern County and Lt. Gov. Kounalakis understands that students who grew up in the area are always looking for career opportunities and should be offered to local students.

She plans on investing in higher education for state campuses and future students, because she believes that investing in education is investing in the future as California has the fourth largest economy in the world.

“This incredible conveyor belt of talent and ambition that rules right into what is now the fourth largest economy in the world.” said Kounalakis.

Being the only elected official to sit on all three boards of higher education in California, she understands the demographics of students. With over 2.8 million students in higher education in California and with over 40% of them being the first to go to college.

She mentions that CSU is the backbone of California’s economy, and she wants to make sure that students whose only path to a more promising life is not only affordable, but also increases the job market for graduating students.

 “CSU’s has been recognized as the most powerful force for young people being able to have economic mobility to get a better paying job, and a better quality of life for their families.” said Kounalakis.

Bakersfield being a city for working class families, she says it’s important to recognize that the majority of students at CSUB have to put finances and resources together to even be able to attend school.

Though students are still worried about an 8% budget reduction and the rise of tuition cost, Kounalakis says that investments would still be possible due to previous years of surplus that offset the budget for higher education.

Harper and the administration were praised by Kounalakis for their management of funds during a series of difficult budget handlings. Thanking them for their leadership and making it possible for future investments.

“It’s always a great honor to have someone like the lieutenant Governor on campus to walk around and talk about the state budget and the students of this community to elevate their family and home life,” said Harper.