On Monday, July 12, Governor Newsom signed the state budget, which funds the University of California for academic year 21-22. The budget restores UC funding to pre-pandemic levels and funds important initiatives. Though we still face the challenges of increased fixed costs, the difference between last year and this year is a significant improvement.

We are grateful to Governor Newsom and the legislature for recognizing the promise in our university. Beyond general allocations, one-time allotments to UCR include $35 million for the School of Medicine, $15 million for the Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), and $10 million for the UCR scientific survey of AAPI communities in California. Additionally, funds for expansion and affordable student housing, increases in awards for students with dependent children and former foster youth, additional funding for student mental health, and emergency financial aid are just a few ways the appropriations further our commitment to student access. 

Great thanks are owed to Senator Richard Roth and Assemblymember Jose Medina, who work tirelessly to advocate for the needs of the Riverside community and our university. We also thank AAPI Caucus Senator Richard Pan and Assemblymember Phil Ting, who worked to secure funds for the AAPI Data project. And, of course, Speaker and alumnus Anthony Rendon and Assemblymember and alumna Sabrina Cervantes not only support our needs but represent what Highlanders can do.

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