California leaders discuss federal funding and elections at the UC Student and Policy Center
September 21, 2026 •
UC Student and Policy Center Director Catharine Baker, a former Assemblymember, sat down with California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber for a fireside chat about her public service experience. (Credit: UC Student and Policy Center)
On Aug. 18, 2026, the UC Student and Policy Center hosted two programs featuring senior federal and state government officials. The programs brought together UC faculty and students, policymakers, and community leaders from throughout the Capital for discussions on federal funding and California elections.
Discussing the federal funding landscape
U.S. Senator Alex Padilla convened a roundtable at the Center to hear from UC, nonprofits, childcare providers, food banks, and immigrant-serving organizations on the impact of recent changes in federal funding and grant programs, known as the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Uniform Guidance.
UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May joined the discussion and shared the vital role UC plays in delivery of health care research, innovation, and clinical services, and the significant challenges the new OMB rules will pose for the University and for Californians most in need of health care services and research. The conversation highlighted perspectives from organizations working across a range of sectors and provided an opportunity for Senator Padilla to discuss his efforts to coordinate.
Understanding California elections
The UC Student and Policy Center’s Director, former Assemblymember Catharine Baker, sat down with California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber for a fireside chat about her public service experience. This conversation was Center’s latest installment of its popular California Leaders Speaker Series.
Director Baker and Secretary Weber discussed the Secretary’s leadership journey from academia to local school board to State Assembly and now as the state’s chief elections officer.
Secretary Weber responded to questions about the states process for verifying voter eligibility, maintaining voter registration records, counting ballots after elections, and increasing access to voting as federal proposals seek to change the role of states in elections.
The two programs reflected the UC Student and Policy Center’s role as a key forum for bringing together University leaders, policymakers, and community partners from across the state for insightful conversations about issues affecting California.
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Tags: Alex Padilla, Catharine Baker, Shirley Weber, UC Student and Policy Center
