University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., today (June 30) issued the following statement on California’s 2022-23 budget:
Last night, the state Legislature passed a final state budget that will strengthen the University of California and enhance its impact on the lives of Californians for years to come. The five-year funding compact proposed by the governor will provide, with the Legislature’s ongoing support, the reliable funding necessary for the University to expand access for more Californians to a world-class UC degree and supports the hiring of additional faculty to educate an enlarged student body.
We are pleased that the state Legislature worked with the governor to provide $185 million to support UC’s trailblazing research on climate change. This will enable University researchers to further their work studying pressing environmental threats facing our communities, including wildfire mitigation and drought preparedness. We also appreciate the $208 million provided by the state Legislature for capital improvements and infrastructure projects across our system that will give campuses funding to expand classroom facilities and update laboratory spaces for student instruction. Additional campus capital investments will help to grow campus capacity and identify cures for complex diseases. In addition, the University is thankful for the Legislature’s profound support of $15 million for vital programs to aid undocumented, formerly incarcerated and former foster-youth students and its appropriation of $389 million to support efforts to alleviate the student housing crisis for University of California students.
The University offers its deepest thanks to the Legislature and Gov. Newsom for their work in support of UC’s mission. This budget is a testament to their belief in the University of California’s tremendous impact and vital role in helping shape California’s future. We look forward to working with them on the issues confronting the University and the great state of California in the years ahead.