Volume 30 · Number 1 · Fall 2012
A Capitol concern
Higher education was one of the key issues that state lawmakers grappled with this year. They considered a number of bills on the topic—among them proposed fee reductions for middle-class students, enrollment caps on students from other states and countries, and public notice requirements for student fee increases.
Below are some highlights of UC-related bills considered by state lawmakers this year:
Financial aid — A bill by Assembly Speaker John Peréz, D-Los Angeles, would have cut fees for middle-class UC and CSU students by two-thirds, and reduce fees at state community colleges (AB1501). A partner bill by Peréz (AB1500) would provide funding by closing a tax loophole that allows out-of-state corporations to choose their tax rates. The package failed to get enough Senate votes before the legislative session ended in September. Gov. Jerry Brown said he would work for its passage next year.
Out-of-state students — A constitutional amendment proposed by state Sen. Michael Rubio, D-Shafter, (SCA22) — with voter approval — would have established a 10 percent cap on undergraduates from other states and countries enrolling at UC campuses beginning in 2013–14. The measure died in the Senate Education Committee.
Student fee hikes — A bill by Assemblymen Marty Block, D-San Diego, and Paul Fong, D-Cupertino, (AB 970) would establish public notice and timeframe requirements for the adoption of UC and CSU student fee increases. Passed by the Legislature and sent to the governor.
Graduate students — A measure by state Sen. Loni Hancock, D-Oakland, (SB 259) would allow graduate research assistants to be represented by a labor union. Passed by the Legislature and sent to the governor.
Back to main story, "The Uncertain Fate of Higher Education"