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http://www.migente.com/GavinNewsom/

Colleges and Universities

I am taking the first steps toward a campaign for governor because I believe we need to be bolder when it comes to acknowledging the challenges ahead and braver when it comes to offering real solutions, not just more political rhetoric. That's how we tackled tough problems in San Francisco - and I don't believe we are seeing enough of that attitude from our state government.

I believe that if one city like San Francisco is already on the way to offering universal health care - then a powerful state like California should be able to do the same. By guaranteeing access, primary care and prevention, California can dramatically improve the health of all who live here.

I believe we need to stop talking about our schools and start funding them. School districts around California are laying off teachers. In San Francisco, teachers are getting a raise. We've done more than offer promises - we've built a partnership that is delivering dollars where they are needed the most.

California is facing a massive budget crisis. San Francisco is also facing tough economic times - but has a balanced budget and a record high rainy day fund. We've crafted a local economic policy that has helped bring high-wage biotech jobs, cleantech jobs and other family sustaining jobs that are the hallmarks of a 21st century economy. San Francisco is becoming a headquarters city again - but this time it is the Wikipedias, the SunTechs and the Second Lifes that are flocking to the city.

I believe that California needs to prioritize renewable and efficient energy, clean transportation, green buildings and above all else - a culture of sustainability. I have set an example for the state by requiring San Francisco city government to be carbon neutral by 2020, investing in biodiesel conversion efforts of food waste and developing new ideas such as solar incentives and a local carbon offset program.

We've been able to implement bold reform in San Francisco - the city's Universal Health Care System, improving our schools through a true partnership with our school district, making San Francisco a world environmental leader - by listening and learning, before acting.

I look forward to listening and learning from the people of California in the months ahead.

Newsom by the Numbers

* Number of individuals enrolled in the universal healthcare program Healthy San Francisco: 24,392 (as of June 28, 2008)

* Number of employers in San Francisco offering healthcare to formerly uninsured workers: 547 (representing 16,327 newly covered employees)

* Number of homeless off the streets: 7,235 (38.9% decline since 2004)

* Number of supportive housing units created to house the homeless: 1,424

* Number of children receiving high-quality universal preschool through Preschool For All: 5,861

* Number of children enrolled in enrichment programs through Afterschool For All: 26,000

* Amount invested in public education: $160,205,496

* Amount invested in violence prevention to keep streets safe: $249.9 million

* Number of police officers added: 606 (147 new beat officers)

* Amount of funding committed to clean up Hunters Point Shipyard: $275 million

* San Francisco's unemployment rate: 4.3% (4.6% California; 5.4% national)

* Number of new companies headquartered or relocated to San Francisco since 2004: 124

* Number of new biotechnology firms in San Francisco: 41

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