State budget

Lawmakers heard from UC advocates almost 2K times this year!

The result: A state budget that not only fully funds UC but contains other important wins for communities across the state.

Gov. Newsom signed a budget that reflects our shared belief that, even in challenging fiscal times, one of the surest ways to improve Californians’ quality of life is through access to higher education. The Governor and Legislature went beyond simply investing in increased access. They also awarded funds for UC projects aimed at helping California communities across the state. One-time funding will advance UC’s work in nutrition, cancer, reproductive health, coastal erosion, improved policing and diversifying STEM fields, to name a few.

More about our budget wins:

• 5% increase in the University’s base budget to support existing and expanding student enrollment. This includes hiring more faculty and staff who support our students.

• $1.5 million in ongoing funds to increase staff support for students with disabilities – “ongoing” means yearly funding!

• $1 million in ongoing support for student mental health resources.

• $800,000 in ongoing funds for student basic needs and food security.

• $200,000 in ongoing funds for student rapid rehousing to help students with emergency housing needs.

• $33.5 million in ongoing funds for new and affordable student housing.

• $33.3 million in ongoing funding to enable capital projects at UC Merced and UC Riverside for expanded enrollment; and funding for the UC Berkeley Clean Energy project, which will replace an outdated, dirty energy plant with a large-scale microgrid projected to reduce emissions by 80%.

The University is thankful to the Legislature and Governor Newsom for supporting the incredible work. We believe these crucial investments will strengthen the UC community and allow us to grow California together.