Thursday, April 9, 1998
Community Briefs
CALPIRG study bares political funding aims
CALPIRG released a study Tuesday detailing contributions made by
mining, timber, petrochemical and agribusiness industries to
congressional candidates between 1989 and 1997.
CALPIRG believes that the contributions, which totaled over $100
million over the nine years, were part of an effort to weaken the
Endangered Species Act.
"This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Endangered Species
Act, and it is outrageous that these industries are contributing to
the campaign coffers of Congress and to the extinction of our
nation’s endangered species," said CALPIRG representative Tiernan
Sittenfeld.
The report singled out California Senator Diane Feinstein, for
accepting $180,463 in donations from the Political Action
Committees that represent the larger corporations.
"This report highlights the need to get big money out of
politics," Sittenfeld said.
"Elected officials should be beholden to their constituents, not
their PAC contributors," she continued.
Tax update offered to grad students
Because of changes last year in the federal tax code, graduate
students may be eligible for tax benefits that were previously not
available.
As a result of this change, the National Association of
Graduate-Professional Students (NAGPS) has made available to
graduate students a publication outlining the changes made in the
tax code.
The publication includes an article outlining some of the
changes in the tax code and guidance on issues like taxation of
tuition waivers, tuition payment tax credits, student loan interest
tax deductions, and FICA taxes on wages paid by universities to
grad students.
To receive a copy of the tax information, graduate students can
call NAGPS at 1-888-88-NAGPS, or send e-mail to
[email protected].
Exchange program concludes its first year
The first group of students ever to study in South Africa under
UC’s Education Abroad Program (EAP) have returned after a year at
the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
Efforts to establish an academic exchange relationship between
the University of California and institutions of higher education
in South Africa were spearheaded by EAP Director John Marcum, a
widely published expert on African politics and higher
education.
The agreement between UC and the University of Natal was
established in 1997, providing for UC students to pursue their
academic careers for one year in Natal and for scholars and
administrators from the University of Natal to spend a period of
time at UC for research, observation and training.
Circle Drive West to finally reopen
Circle Drive West, the portion of Circle Drive just north of
Strathmore, is scheduled to reopen on April 13.
The street has been closed since the beginning of fall quarter
for construction on the De Neve Plaza project. It was originally
scheduled to reopen in November but was then pushed back to March
because of unforeseen delays.
Compiled from Daily Bruin staff and wire reports.