University of California Board of Regents Chair John A. Pérez and UC President Michael V. Drake, M.D., today (Jan. 8, 2021) issued the following statement on Gov. Newsom’s proposed 2021-22 budget:
Gov. Newsom’s budget provides $136.3 million of new ongoing support to the University of California, including $103.9 million to partly restore the $300.8 million in reductions made last year to UC. The proposal also includes $32.4 million for ongoing targeted investments in other areas, such as expanding access for student mental health services and supporting UC Programs in Medical Education (UC PRIME), which combine specialized coursework and training experiences that allow future physicians to better support underserved populations.
In addition, the governor’s budget provides $225.3 million in one-time funding, including $175 million for deferred maintenance and energy efficiency projects and $20 million for UC’s California Institutes for Science and Innovation (CISI), which advance cutting-edge research and technologies that are crucial to the state’s economy.
We thank Gov. Newsom for these critical investments in UC students and California’s future, especially given the fiscal uncertainty during COVID-19. We will collaborate with the governor and Legislature in the months ahead to secure additional funding and continue our University’s vital work of expanding access and affordability for California students, delivering quality health care, and driving the state’s economic recovery.