BY MARINA DUNDJERSKI
UCLA Today Staff

While legislators battle over the state’s stalled 2002-03 budget in the Assembly, the Senate’s version offers some good news for the University of California: restoration of some outreach funds and $2.5 million in new money for the Dual Admissions Program.

Overall, however, under the Senate’s budget bill, the UC budget would still be $237 million below the level expected in the Partnership Agreement, according to UC budget officials.

As of presstime Aug. 8, the Assembly —where Republicans and Democrats were arguing over proposed tax hikes — had not passed a budget bill.

“We are innocent bystanders waiting for a resolution in Sacramento so that we continue our mission of teaching, research and service,” said Keith Parker, UCLA assistant vice chancellor for Government and Community Relations, who is watching the negotiations closely.

The Senate’s version of the state budget adds back $25 million to UC outreach programs, including $21.7 million to restore programs that Gov. Gray Davis proposed eliminating or significantly cutting in his May Revision.

But the Senate’s budget bill also changes the language related to the 10% ($32 million) cut to UC research programs. Davis’ May Revision gave UC the authority to reduce spending on individual research initiatives by 6% to 30%. In contrast, the Senate’s version calls for an across-the-board reduction of 10%.

Meanwhile, the UC regents last month approved a measure to raise nonresident tuition in a move to help finance K-12 outreach efforts and offset some of the increased costs for employee health benefits. Non-resident undergraduate tuition will increase $1,305 in 2002-03.