(SACRAMENTO) – Following today’s joint oversight hearing with testimony from UC President Napolitano, Regent Chair Lozano and State Auditor Howle, Assemblymember Timothy S. Grayson (D – Concord) released the following statement:
“In recent years, UC leadership has pursued higher salaries and bloated administrative budgets while California students have paid increasingly higher tuition and fees. I am deeply troubled by the latest finding that students and their families were asked to pay more for their education while the President’s office maintained a discretionary fund of $175 million. This is wrong and our students and families deserve answers as to why this discretionary fund was kept secret.”
Grayson continued, “It is clear that UC Administrators attempted to intentionally mislead auditors and interfere with their work. This is unacceptable behavior and the University must take immediate action to restore the confidence of the public. UC Officials and the Board of Regents must address the ongoing poor management, lack of oversight and financial misconduct challenges that the system faces. It is my expectation that today represents a turning point for students and families. Our economic future is dependent on access to quality, affordable higher education and it is crucial that we take steps to restore appropriate transparency and accountability to the UC system.”
Tim Grayson represents the 14th Assembly District that includes the communities of Benicia, Concord, Clayton, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Vallejo, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek. For more information please visit the Assemblymember’s website, www.assembly.ca.gov/a14.
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