California Gov. Jerry Brown Says Universities Could Take A Lesson From Chipotle

At an invitation-only breakfast event Thursday, Gov. Jerry Brown used a portion of his time at the podium to endorse Chipotle, the popular burrito chain that will soon relocate its headquarters from Denver to California.

“They’re coming to California because there may be high taxes, but people know good food,” Brown said.

The governor complimented the quality of the food and its low price point, and also the simplicity of the restaurant’s meal choices.

He went on to advise universities to pare down their course offerings the way Chipotle does its menu.

“They have so damn many courses, ’cause all these professors want to teach their pet projects, but then you get thousands and thousands of courses,” he said. “If they would go to a limited menu concept, everyone would graduate on time.”

Brown has been under fire from advocates recently for not investing more in higher education. His May budget proposal maintained a 3 percent funding hike for the University of California and California State University systems, which he announced in January. He also proposed a bill that would reduce state funding should either university choose to increase tuition.

In his Thursday talk at the Sacramento Host Breakfast — an annual event celebrating accomplishments in agriculture, military, government, education and industry — Brown also reiterated the need for a rainy day fund.

“You’ve got to have reserves, you’ve got to have cash in the bank,” he said. “I’m leaving that for the next guy. I’m sure he’s gonna spend it the first day, but at least he’s got it.”

Brown also discussed the growing green energy industry and a gas tax to fund roads, bridges, tunnels and other infrastructure.