University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., today (May 12) issued the following statement on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised 2023-24 budget proposal:
I am grateful that Gov. Newsom’s revised budget proposal maintains critical funding for the University of California. This budget reflects our strong partnership with the Governor and his recognition of the University’s role in maintaining the state’s economic competitiveness and solving California’s most urgent issues. This level of funding is particularly extraordinary given the many competing priorities the Governor must balance this year.
If supported by the state Legislature, this budget will provide funding for the urgent priorities we share, increasing California undergraduate and graduate student enrollment, expanding on-campus student resources, building additional student housing, and hiring more faculty and staff.
We are also pleased that the Governor’s budget includes $100 million for the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at UCLA and $2 million for the UC Riverside School of Medicine. These investments will translate into lifesaving research and patient care for many Californians.
The University of California looks forward to working with the Governor and state legislative leaders to achieve a final budget that maintains this critical funding. This state support will allow the University to continue educating the next generation of leaders, producing cutting-edge research for the benefit of our communities, and delivering high quality health care to Californians.