UC President James B. Milliken urges state lawmakers to fuel economic growth through strategic investments in UC

In remarks today to the California State Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, UC President James B. Milliken expressed gratitude for Gov. Newsom's January budget proposal, which includes $350 million in ongoing funding and a $130 million deferral restoration for the University. President Milliken acknowledged the vital role of state support for UC and advocated for a fully funded state compact to support the University's record-breaking California resident enrollment.

President Milliken's remarks acknowledged ongoing uncertainty with federal funding for UC. If UC were to lose federal research funds, the University would need $4-5 billion annually to sustain reduced core operations and research. President Milliken emphasized UC's profound impact on California's economy as the University continues to work with state and legislative partners ahead of the May budget revision.

Below are some key highlights from President Milliken's remarks, as delivered:

• "(T)alent is universal - but opportunity is not. Higher education, particularly public higher education, is the best vehicle we know of to match talent with opportunity. When we're successful, we achieve something truly meaningful. We become the best engine of social and economic mobility there is. We are able to change the trajectory of not only an individual, but of families and communities."  
• "The work that our community colleges, CSU, and UC do is changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Californians every day." 
• "UC's health locations served patients from 99% of California ZIP codes last year; our research generates four inventions a day, fueling California's leading industries; and the University employs more than 265,000 people, contributing $82 billion to the state's economy. The breadth and depth of UC is unparalleled in higher education."
• "The federal government continues to reduce its support of higher education and research. Federal policy changes and reductions to financial aid and student opportunity programs continue to threaten our ability to serve all Californians." 
• "Despite the declining federal support, UC's impact continues to grow. We reached a remarkable milestone this past fall, enrolling more than 300,000 students for the first time in our history. This includes over 200,000 California resident undergraduates, also a record."
• "The Governor is proposing an important step to fund both the final year of the Compact payment and a portion of the fourth-year payment. I'm hopeful we can build on this year's progress to receive the full Compact funding."
• "This proposal is a very positive first step. I'm grateful for the unwavering commitment the Governor and you, our legislative leaders, have shown to the students in the university that serves so many Californians." 
• "As stewards of UC in this critical moment in history, the Board of Regents, our talented faculty and staff, and I plan to meet the challenges together, guided by the values that have shaped UC across generations."

To read President Milliken's full remarks, as delivered, please visit our website.

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