Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), chair of Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education, today proposed a new plan to address the shortfall of California students entering the University of California (UC) system. The plan passed with bi-partisan support on a 5-0 vote.
It increases California undergraduate enrollment by 30,000 students over the next six years. At the same time, it reduces nonresident enrollment by about 10,000 students. Understanding that UC cannot change course overnight; this plan is phased in over six years.
“The action in committee today will go a long way to helping our kids get a fair chance at a UC education,” noted Assemblymember McCarty, “We can’t keep treating California kids like second class citizens.”
Recognizing that the plan will require funding, the subcommittee created a three-pronged approach to financing it:
- First, increased state support, contingent upon UC adding California slots as required, and reducing nonresident slots.
- Second, requesting UC to follow the Auditor's lead and find efficiencies, cut programs, or look for other funding for programs to free up money.
- Lastly, the Committee proposes that the Regents further increase nonresident tuition. UC nonresidents currently pay about $36,000 per year (compared to the University of Michigan, where a junior or senior nonresident pays about $46,000).