Recent information distributed by the California Faculty Association and printed in the press warrants clarification. The California State University is offering an average five percent salary increase for faculty this year -- the same increase budgeted by the state for our faculty and accepted by every other union except one. By offering six percent next year, the CSU is addressing the salary lag between our faculty and those at comparable institutions. I have committed in writing to close that gap over the next three years.

The other main issue is merit pay. Compensation should be based at least in part on performance. All comparable institutions in the U.S. have a merit pay system. Our completely new proposal incorporates even more faculty participation in awarding merit pay. We have a responsibility to the people of California to be accountable for the job we are doing, and merit pay is critical to that. More ...

Sacramento resident Scotty McLaughlan brought allegations of Ken Starr's supposed conflict of interest in the investigation of President Bill Clinton. On Thursday McLaughlan passed out copies of syndicated columnist Robert Scheer's article tying Starr to tobacco company Brown and Williamson. The article alleges that Starr's investigation has undercut anti-tobacco legislation in Congress. John Montgomery/State Hornet

Editorial: Lead or get out of the way
SNAFU -- Situation Normal ... All F****d Up!

Propositions
The State Hornet recommends ...

Editorial: Vote yes on Prop 1A
There is no proposition on next week's ballot that could have as much impact at CSUS as Proposition 1A.

Other Views: Contraception coverage a good move
(U-WIRE) RALEIGH, N.C. -- Acting more than a few years too late, the U.S. Congress finally passed a measure that will ease the financial burden of federally-employed women trying to engage in careful family planning.

Other Views: Internet's allure can lead to harm
(U-WIRE) LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- As I logged on to http://www. My $31,000 education.com, it hit me. The Internet is good for more than letting 14-year-olds access porn, or ordering alligator skin purses from Madagascar. The Internet is a useful tool, which has powerful effects on our society.