Endorsement: Scope of Husse’s platform extends beyond pet projects

Erica Husse’s experience in addressing Tidal Wave II and
extensive involvement with on-campus housing lead us to endorse her
for Financial Supports commissioner.

While the other candidate, Omar Qudrat, has a year of experience
working on the Financial Supports commission, he failed to
adequately address Tidal Wave II ““ an issue intimately
related to on-campus construction and its financial consequences.
Instead, Qudrat focused on the housing index and book-lending
program ““ two programs in which Husse, as well as Qudrat,
exhibited an extensive and impressive understanding. While both
programs are beneficial, Husse’s platform both encompassed
and extended beyond the scope of the housing index and book-lending
program. Qudrat, on the other hand, narrows his platform to these
already-established “pet projects.” He fails to bring
new ideas to the table.

As special projects director for General Representative Adam
Harmetz, Husse helped draft the “Programming Referendum to
Raise Student Fees” and “Tidal Wave II: Impact of
Growth on UCLA and California Postsecondary Education”
reports. Husse’s research in key areas affecting student
costs endows her with a heightened understanding of the potential
financial burdens facing students.

Not only does Husse have experience, but her ideas are highly
innovative. One idea involves creating a Student Financial Aid
Coalition, which will help advocate on behalf of financial aid
issues and make Husse’s office more visible.

In addition to educating students on financial issues, Husse
wants to use the Student Financial Aid Coalition to ensure
students’ financial aid is unaffected by the late passage of
the California state budget. State financial aid cannot be
distributed until the budget is passed ““ this can potentially
affect students who depend on financial aid money to buy books and
pay rent. Even though the university has made up for the delay,
this is not guaranteed. And it can only do so once school
starts.

Husse hopes to meet the state on a middle-ground by suggesting
it provide a minimal percentage of funds prior to passing the
budget. After passing the budget, the state could then disperse the
remaining funds.

Husse’s large breadth of knowledge on financial issues,
innovative ideas and drive for advocacy make her the ideal
Financial Supports commissioner. Her energy and confidence make her
a true leader.