By Benjamin Parke
Daily Bruin Contributor
SAN FRANCISCO “”mdash; Propelled by a strong economy, the UC
Board of Regents approved the 2000-2001 budget while questioning
whether the university’s governing body had a meaningful role
in shaping the proposal.
The regents received the budget after numerous revisions
throughout the year culminating in Gov. Gray Davis’ approval in
June. It was voted on at the second, and last day, of the board’s
meeting at UC San Francisco on July 20.
Although the regents were happy with the results, some wondered
whether the board had any meaningful part of the budget
process.
"I have a procedural question," asked Regent Irene Miura before
voting on a budget already approved by the governor and the
legislature. "If we didn’t pass this budget today, what would
happen?"
Regent Ward Connerly responded with, "We’ve already passed last
year’s budget, but if we didn’t (pass this year’s), life would
still go on," before turning to Larry Hershman, vice president of
budget.
"We’re having a big influence, right Larry?" Connerly said
jokingly.
Regent Judith Hopkinson said she was reassured by Hershman’s
promises of a budget proposal next fall that would be more detailed
in areas such as how outreach money is spent. Regent John Davies
said he shared some of Hopkinson’s concerns.
"We don’t decide much at this table as far as I can see," said
Davies, who added that in his eight years on the board, he hadn’t
seen the regents take much of a lead in the budget process.
Hershman said some of the reasons behind the process are
negotiations and compromises with various groups, such as the state
legislature.
Regents, he added, have the important role of determining which
priorities Hershman bargains for.
Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg, a regent by virtue of his
office, said Hershman was effective in passing the regents’ agenda
within the legislature.
"Your methodology is very effective in getting to us," Hertzberg
said.
Eliseo Ilano, speaking at his last board meeting as president of
the University of California Student Association, outlined a
proposal for a $30 million increase in funding to pay for student
services affected by university budget cuts in the early 1990s.
According to Ilano, students at various campuses have imposed
additional fees upon themselves to pay for the services.
Under the proposal, UCLA would receive funding for maintenance
and other projects. Such buildings, UCSA says, are at capacity and
unprepared for the expected growth in student population.
Prior to Ilano’s presentation, President Richard Atkinson
acknowledged the effect of the budget cuts, but did express one
concern.
"Part of it is, you have to get state support of the idea as
well," Atkinson said.
Ilano said legislative approval of the budget items
shouldn’t be a problem.
"If it’s in the budget, then it’s in the budget," said Ilano.
"We’ve talked to a lot of legislators about it and we haven’t
gotten anybody that said no way."
Included in the budget is $13.8 million to phase in year-round
operations, by reducing fees for students taking summer classes.
Hershman told the board that the program will likely begin at the
Los Angeles, Berkeley and Santa Barbara campuses.
"It’s not fully funding year-round operations, but it’s a
start," Hershman said.
The money would bring summer fees to the same level as regular
session fees, starting Summer 2001. Next year’s budget
proposal ““ which is expected to be presented to the regents
in its initial form in the fall ““ is slated to include funds
for expansion of year-round schooling.
Hershman also told the regents that although there was increased
funding for a number of items ““ such as research initiatives,
enrollment and a 4 percent increase for faculty salaries ““
students wouldn’t face a larger financial burden.
"We anticipate that the state will continue providing money so
there won’t be a fee increase," said Hershman.
Connerly, however, questioned whether the university could
sustain its financial health in the future ““ and likened its
expansion to building a structure that it might not be able to
support.
"If the economy takes a downturn, we’re going to have to raise
these fees, probably 40 percent," Connerly said.
At UCLA, the budget will fund seismic improvements for the
medical center, as well as provide money for a partnership with
financially beleaguered Drew University.
Hershman received commendations from the regents for his work in
hammering out the budget, as well as securing the needed amounts of
assistance from state and federal levels.
Also getting high praise from the regents was Hertzberg, who
showed up at the budget committee meeting in his role as a regent,
to a round of applause.
"Don’t let the applause go to your head ““ it only
lasts two years with term limits," said Regent William Bagley
jokingly as Hertzberg settled down at the table.
Hertzberg acted as point man in the state legislature on several
funding priorities, including money to increase the salaries of
low-paid employees.
The allocation will pay for the contract with teaching
assistants, as well as provide funds for whatever agreements come
out of negotiations with service employee unions.