SACRAMENTO – Assembly Budget Committee Chair John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) issued the following statement on the report “A Review of UC’s Long Range Development Planning Process,” issued today by the Legislative Analyst’s Office:

“In December 2005, I requested the independent Legislative Analyst’s Office conduct a study to evaluate and explore ways to improve the University of California’s current long range development plan (LRDP) process.

I’m pleased the LAO has completed its report, done in consultation with the University of California and its campuses at Davis, Riverside and Santa Cruz, as well as with local government representatives and community members.  The report provides recommendations on University enrollment projections, public participation in long-range planning and the use of ‘fair-share’ agreements.”

The legislature has a responsibility to provide oversight on how UC plans for future growth.  In response to the report, I’m calling for a joint hearing between the Assembly Education Budget Subcommittee and the Higher Education Committee.  The purpose of the hearing will be to explore whether enrollment projections and processes are in line with California’s future needs in higher education.”  

Link to Mr. Laird’s letter, dated 12/16/07, requesting the LAO report: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a27/press/LAOletter.htm