SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Julia Brownley (Santa Monica) has been appointed by Speaker Fabian Núñez as chair of the newly created Select Committee on Higher Education in the 21st Century.

The committee will focus on the University of California and California State University systems with a focus on their budgets, student fees, enrollment projections, financial aid, long range planning and more.

"I am pleased that the Speaker recognized the need for this committee,” said Brownley.  “The future of higher education warrants extra attention.  I’d like to explore budget transparency and the State’s role and responsibility for oversight.  In 2011, the compacts negotiated between the university systems and the Governor’s office will expire. This committee will provide an excellent way for us to prepare for 2012.”

In addition, the committee will look into public/private research projects, K-12 partnerships, career tech and graduation rates and other issues.