You are on page 1of 1

UC Budget Talking Points

Master Plan

 This year is the 50th anniversary of the Master Plan. We believe it’s important for the
State to reaffirm its commitment to the core principles of the Master Plan.

 The principles of affordability, accessibility, and quality are all undermined by the
continuing State disinvestment in UC and public higher education.

o Affordability: Fees have risen dramatically over the past few years. UC has
worked to improve financial aid (one-third set-aside; Blue & Gold) to keep up.
But many families are facing huge financial challenges, and the State’s
disinvestment has simply placed a tax on those families with students at UC.

o Accessibility: The State has not been providing funding to keep up with UC’s
enrollments. We’re especially concerned about the impact on diversity and our
ability to enroll high-performing students from under-served populations.

o Quality: The State’s disinvestment is being felt in course offerings, class sizes,
student services, faculty hiring – and ultimately in UC’s contributions to CA.

State funding

 State funding for UC and public higher education must be a higher priority in the state
budget process each year. Higher education is the best investment for the state in
producing economic growth and new jobs – our students are CA’s best investment.

 The governor’s budget proposal is welcome after the cuts of recent years. But our true
immediate need is a $913 million increase, and we are seeking that for 2010-11.

o That includes funding for enrollments and continued funding for our academic
preparation programs.

Cal Grants

 We also want to stress the critical importance of full State funding of the Cal Grant
entitlement program.

 The governor’s budget provides funding but makes it contingent on federal money.
Regardless of what happens with federal funding, we believe it is critical, for the cause of
UC student affordability, that the State fully fund Cal Grants.

o We also oppose decoupling entitlement awards from fee increases, oppose


freezing income eligibility levels, and support full funding of the competitive Cal
Grant program.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

You might also like