Governor Gavin Newsom reduces budget cuts to the UC in revised budget
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced reductions to University of California budget cuts in a revision of the state budget on May 14, according to the Daily Bruin.
Newsom’s January budget proposed that $396.6 million be cut from the University of California (UC) system, which was reduced to $129.7 million this month, less than half of the initial proposed number. The budget cuts were reduced from 8% to 3% in the total state UC funding. UC President Michael Drake said in a May 14 statement that he is grateful for the budget adjustment.
“This is a challenging budget year for California, and our state leaders are facing very tough choices,” Drake said in the statement. “The Governor has reduced the University’s cut from 8 percent to 3 percent, demonstrating his strong commitment to California’s students.”
Other state agency budgets faced 8% budget decreases in the state budget, but lawmakers pushed Newsom to delay similar cuts to the UC and the California State University, according to CalMatters.
The May budget revision would increase aid for some scholarships, including a nearly $2 million increase to support foster youth services, $300 million increase for Cal Grants and a one-time $77 million increase in Middle Class Scholarships.
“Given the state budget condition, it will be hard for UC to expect the state to provide the resources that UC is anticipating,” Senior Fiscal and Policy Analyst at the California Legislative Analyst’s Office Ian Klein said, according to the Daily Bruin. “We don’t believe it’s likely that the state will have the budget capacity to provide that funding.”
He said the UC is anticipating an increase in ongoing funding beginning this year of $240.8 million to support increased enrollment, operational costs and employee compensation. Newsom proposed deferring the budget augmentation for two years, though.
“UC was anticipating base augmentations being provided upwards of 5% to address operational cost increases,” Klein said, according to the Daily Bruin. “Given the fiscal condition of the state, what we’ve indicated is that the legislature should send a more realistic budget signal to UC.”
Legislators shall review the May revision over the next four weeks and propose final changes. They must pass a budget by midnight June 15.
UC Riverside prepares climate action plan
UC Riverside has launched preparations for a climate sustainability action plan — the first of its kind — set to be complete by the end of the year, according to UC Riverside’s Public Relations website.
The plan would put forth policies and practices, under the advising of the UC for campuses to adopt a climate action and adaptation plan in 2025. The policy includes green building design, clean energy, zero waste and sustainable practices in areas from food services to transportation.
“The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) will be a roadmap towards achieving sustainability before 2045, and will incorporate our goals towards climate mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and environmental justice,” said Francis Mitalo, the interim sustainability program director with the Office of Sustainability.
The 10 UC campuses must reduce total greenhouse gases by at least 90% from 2019 levels by 2045, and set interim emission reduction targets.
A version of this article appeared on p.2 of the May 22, 2025 edition of the Daily Nexus.
