(SACRAMENTO) – In light of recent news about UC admissions practices and weak financial oversight, Assemblymember Grayson (D-Concord) authored two bills to prioritize California student admissions and improve transparency at UC. Both bills, AB 1674 and AB 1655, respectively, passed the Senate Floor today with bipartisan support.
Upon passage of AB 1674 Assemblymember Grayson stated, “Today’s vote is another win for California students who dream of graduating high school and attending some of the highest quality institutions in their home state. This bill will make sure that admission at a UC campus is based on academic performance, not the revenue that the student could bring in. This vote shows again that it is time to hold UC accountable to its mission to serve Californian students.”
Shortly after the passage of AB 1674, the Senate passed AB 1655, a complementary measure that makes it a crime to intentionally mislead the State Auditor and requires greater transparency in cost reporting. Grayson stated, “This bill is critical to restoring the public trust that was eroded by recent findings about the actions of the UC Office of the President and their intentional interference with a State Auditor’s investigation. Students and taxpayers need to know that UC leadership will be good stewards of the institution, and these bills provide much needed accountability.”
Both bills received bipartisan votes on the Senate Floor. AB 1655 passed 37-0 and AB 1674 passed 39-0. They will now head to the Governor’s desk.
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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