Public universities bear brunt of cuts in latest California state budget plan

The Democrats’ latest state budget, which was passed on Tuesday, would slash $650 million each from the California State University and the University of California systems. Those reductions, which come on top of hundreds of millions of dollars the state cut from the systems in recent years, might force the shortening of the academic year, and keep UC Riverside's new medical school from opening.

Officials with California’s public universities called the latest budget proposal “disappointing” because they’ve already endured significant spending reductions. Administrators have balanced recent Sacramento funding cuts by forcing students to pay higher tuition. That’s likely to happen again this coming year if the governor signs this budget.

It would have the greatest impact in Los Angeles and surrounding counties. Six Cal State and four University of California campuses educate and employ hundreds of thousands of people in this region. This spending plan didn’t spare the budget for California’s 112 community colleges. Cuts will likely lead to fee increases that’ll put a $46 price tag on each class unit.

The latest budget plan largely spares public schools. But if some state revenues don’t come through lawmakers are considering cutting the academic calendar by 10 days.

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That budget also slashed money UC Riverside has counted on to open its new medical school next summer. UCR officials had hoped to lock in a commitment of about $10 million a year over the next five or 10 years. The national board that oversees medical school education programs warned UCR earlier this month that it risks losing accreditation if it can’t secure that money.

“Our graduates wouldn’t be accredited doctors; no we have to have accreditation!" said Richard Olds, the dean of UCR's School of Medicine. “And I think the accrediting body was not unreasonable in their request. We could have appealed that decision if the state has basically proven their concerns wrong but unfortunately the state proved their concerns right.”

That’s despite months of lobbying by Olds and a bipartisan group of local, state and federal lawmakers and civic leaders. Riverside County has approved the first installment of its $10 million commitment. But without the state money in place, Olds says the medical school will remain shuttered.

“It is frustrating that given the fact that everyone agrees with our position, least everyone I have spoken to, and remember the buildings are already built, ready for occupancy, already paid for. It’s a little like opening a Wal-mart, stocking the shelves, hiring the employees and then keeping the door locked.”

In a statement, UC Riverside Chancellor Timothy White calls all this a temporary setback. White says he’ll redouble efforts to secure future state money, re-apply for accreditation and – he hopes - welcome the School of Medicine’s first class a couple of years from now.