Victor Valley Times

Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) expressed disappointment after his bill proposing a study on the feasibility of a new Cal State University (CSU) campus in the High Desert was held by the Senate Appropriations Committee. In his statement, he questioned the decision, stating, “California is in the middle of an unprecedented budget deficit and this bill wouldn’t have used a single state dollar. Why it was stopped here is a head-scratcher.”

Wilk emphasized the importance of local opportunities for future generations as he highlighted the High Desert's potential for growth. He said, “The High Desert is the last oasis of affordability and growth left in California. As the region continues to grow, California should be laying the groundwork to ensure that local opportunities exist, so that future generations can pursue their career goals close to home.”

Senate Bill 1023 would have allowed the CSU Chancellor to conduct and submit a study on the feasibility of an independent CSU campus in the High Desert. The bill did not propose any mandates or requirements on the CSU system until funds for the study had been privately secured.

The distance from state universities has been identified as a significant barrier preventing students in rural areas from pursuing bachelor’s degrees. The closest CSU campus to Victor Valley is currently CSU San Bernardino, which can take at least an hour each way depending on traffic conditions.

In concluding his statement, Wilk criticized the committee's decision not to allow a feasibility study: “By not even allowing a feasibility study, the Committee turned its back on an economically promising region of California. The High Desert should not be an educational desert. It has immense potential, and it's time we start treating it as such by exploring every opportunity to expand access to higher education.”