Voters in November will be asked to decide on Proposition 30, an initiative that would raise new state revenue through temporary increases in the state sales tax and the personal income tax on those who earn $250,000 or more per year. It is sponsored by Gov. Jerry Brown and is part of the 2012-13 budget approved by state lawmakers.

The University of California Board of Regents has endorsed Prop. 30, noting that if the initiative fails, UC is scheduled to receive a budget reduction of $250 million this year and lose an additional $125 million next year.

Already, state funding for UC has dropped by nearly $900 million — or about 27 percent — over the last four years, resulting in sharp tuition increases, staff layoffs, faculty hiring freezes, academic program cuts and other reductions. The university in 2009 enacted a temporary furlough program for employees and has embarked on a program to save $500 million through administrative efficiencies. The regents, in endorsing Prop. 30, noted that further budget reductions could jeopardize UC’s ability to provide the high-quality education that Californians have come to expect from the university.

Prop. 30 has active campaign organizations on both sides. Opponents of the measure say that the initiative would harm small businesses. They emphasize that it raises taxes on all Californians, not just the wealthy. Supporters say it will help stabilize the state’s fiscal picture and prevent deep budget cuts to public education. A majority vote will decide the issue Nov. 6.

The university cannot tell people how to vote, and UC employees are precluded by law from using state resources, time or equipment to lobby either for or against any ballot measure. The university can, however, share factual information about a ballot measure’s impact on the university. And members of the UC community are free to participate in political activities on their own time and using their own resources.

Resources

Proposition 30: The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012 (pdf)

Proposition 30 Fact Sheet (pdf)

Academic Senate Memorial on Proposition 30 (pdf)

Regents endorse Prop. 30 (press release)

UC Participation in Ballot Campaigns: Legal Guidelines

Opponents

Stop Proposition 30

Supporters

Yes on Proposition 30

Election information

California Secretary of State

Regents’ endorsement resolution

UC Board of Regents Resolution to Endorse the State’s Actions Relating to the University of California’s 2012-13 Budget, No Increase in Mandatory Systemwide Student Charges in 2012-13, and the Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012 on the November Ballot (pdf)

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