As California’s next step to resolving its budget crisis falters, the UC system now looks to take a second swing at its academic enterprises. Can a state spend without money? Can a university teach without teachers? Can we breathe without lungs?

As redevelopment agencies across the state of California get the ax, local city council members voted to sell bonds to JP Morgan in a last effort to protect funds for local projects. Under Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget, the tax revenue meant for redevelopment agencies would be redirected to the state.

Last Monday newly-elected Gov. Jerry Brown laid out his budget proposal, which calls for drastic cutbacks of $12.5 billion in state spending, including a $500 million axe to funds for the UC system. With this we ask the question: Does our public education system need to be beaten black and blue again in order for California to be back in the black?

Jerry Brown took his inauguration oath on Monday to take on the task of running the state of California after a 28-year layoff from the position. But despite previous campaign optimism that public higher education could be returned to its former glory, Brown’s speech reflected dwindling aspirations of living up to his promises.