UC Regents “Out Of Touch”

Sacramento, CA — Two state lawmakers want to “strip the autonomy” of the University of California (UC) and make it more transparent after approval of a tuition hike.  As reported last month, amidst opposition from lawmakers and Governor Jerry Brown, the Board of Regents voted in a 5% increase for each of the next five years unless the state devotes more money to the 10-campus system.

As a result of that jump, Senators Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) have introduced a new a constitutional amendment to give the Legislature new oversight powers that include veto power over tuition increases and executive pay raises.

Senator Lara says, “It behooves us, and ultimately the voters, to revisit the concentrated power and autonomy of the UC Board of Regents which appears to be out of touch with average working class families.”

The California State University system also receives state funding, but unlike the UC, is subject to state oversight.

“With the recent demand for increased funds from the state, the UC Regents and all Californians should expect increased accountability and transparency on how tax-payer funds are spent.  This Constitutional Amendment will accomplish this without interfering with the daily operations of the UC system,” says Senator Cannella.

If approved the proposal would be on the November 2016 ballot.