University of California President Michael V. Drake released a statement on Jan. 10 supporting California Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2024-25 state budget proposal and its allocations to education.

“Governor Newsom’s proposed budget reflects his recognition of the University of California’s ongoing role in creating public good through research, public service and education,” Drake said in the statement

The budget for the UC will increase by $62,303 for the 2024-25 academic year, rising from $4,853,588 to $4,915,891. Drake outlined in the statement that the UC will receive a larger increase of 5 percent in 2025.

“Despite a growing deficit and continued fiscal uncertainty, the governor is making thoughtful decisions during an extraordinarily difficult budget period by implementing but deferring a 5 percent funding increase pledged in the multi-year funding compact for the University,” the statement read. 

“The University will receive two years’ worth of state base budget increases in 2025-26,” the statement continued. “These decisions will position our state and its students for a prosperous future once budgetary challenges subside.”

Drake emphasized that receiving funding from the state allows the UC to increase enrollment, hire additional faculty and continue serving the state of California as a top-tier research institution. 

“Through this funding, our campuses have been able to expand admission and enroll even more California students while also recruiting and retaining additional top-tier faculty,” Drake said. “The University remains committed to the people of California and we will continue to make vital contributions to the lives of every Californian.”

“We look forward to working with the state Legislature and Gov. Newsom in the months ahead to finalize a budget that sustains the University’s research, public service and education mission.”

A version of this article appeared on p. 3 of the Jan. 18, 2023, print edition of the Daily Nexus.

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Alex Levin
Alex Levin (he/him) is the University News Editor for the 2023-24 school year. Previously, Levin was the Assistant News Editor for the 2022-2023 school year. He can be reached at alexlevin@dailynexus.com.