Regents Examine Deficit Strategies
September 14, 2012
The University of California Board of Regents looked at dozens of proposals for addressing the university's growing budget deficit, from academic strategies to changes in employee health and welfare benefits during a daylong retreat on Sept. 12.
The retreat, called by board chair Sherry Lansing, was intended to give regents a deeper understanding of the hard choices they may be called on to make in November after voters decide the fate of Proposition 30.
The initiative would raise new state revenue through temporary increases in the state sales tax and the personal income tax on those who earn $250,000 or more per year. It is sponsored by Gov. Jerry Brown and is part of the 2012-13 budget approved by state lawmakers.
If it fails, UC's state revenue will fall by $375 million, a cut that comes on top of years of declining state revenue.
In the last four years, UC's state appropriation has fallen by $900 million — the equivalent of 27 percent — even as mandatory costs and student enrollment have grown.
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