UC Gets Some Muscle
The University of California has fared poorly in the competition for state funds even when times are good:
That’s because unlike most other recipients of state funds such as prison employees and hospitals, UC hasn’t fielded a muscular political presence in Sacramento. Despite millions of alumni and other stakeholders, UC punches well below its potential political weight.
But that looks to be changing. Friends of the University is a political action committee “to support the University of California through a statewide advocacy network and relationships with state legislators.” Its founders include some individuals who understand how power really works in Sacramento and donations will go towards “build[ing] connections with Sacramento lawmakers who can further the University of California.” That’s great news to anyone who cares about state support for UC.
For far too long, UC stakeholders have been missing in action in the political wars that determine funding decisions in Sacramento. Now it looks like they have a place to enlist.