MEDIA ADVISORY
The following statement by University of California President Richard C. Atkinson is in response to Gov. Pete Wilson's announcement to provide $108 million in additional funding to UC as part of the governor's 1998-99 state budget proposal.
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Richard C. Atkinson
President
University of California
Gov. Wilson's strong demonstration of support for the University of California is extremely gratifying. His proposal for additional funding will be helpful in meeting a number of critical needs, most notably the enrollment of an additional 3,200 students in the 1998-99 academic year than would have been funded by the governor's proposal of last January. This, combined with the governor's one-time funding of our needs related to instructional equipment, instructional technology, deferred maintenance and libraries, represents a significant benefit for our students, faculty and staff. I know I speak for the entire university community and the Board of Regents in expressing our appreciation and gratitude to the governor.
Background
Gov. Wilson proposed the additional funding for UC as part of his May revision of last January's state budget proposal. In the January proposal, UC was to receive $175 million in state general funds. Additional funding became available to the state because revenues were higher than projections used to develop last January's budget proposal.
Here is a breakdown of the additional UC funding proposed so far by the governor and its uses: $23 million to fund the expected enrollment of 3,200 students who will be accommodated but whose enrollment was not funded in the January proposal. $25 million in one-time funding for instructional equipment such as laboratory equipment, furniture for classrooms and laboratories, and computers. $25 million in one-time funding for instructional technology such as computers for classrooms and libraries and videoconferencing equipment for classrooms. $25 million in one-time funding to meet deferred maintenance needs including the repair and replacement of roofs, elevators and heating and ventilation systems. $10 million in one-time funding for library materials, supplies and other expenses.
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