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By Benjamin Parke

Daily Bruin Contributor

SAN FRANCISCO — Propelled by a strong economy, the UC Board of Regents approved the 2000-2001 budget while questioning whether the university’s governing body had a meaningful role in shaping the proposal.

The regents received the budget after numerous revisions throughout the year culminating in Gov. Gray Davis' approval in June. It was voted on at the second, and last day, of the board's meeting at UC San Francisco on July 20.

Although the regents were happy with the results, some wondered whether the board had any meaningful part of the budget process.

"I have a procedural question," asked Regent Irene Miura before voting on a budget already approved by the governor and the legislature. "If we didn't pass this budget today, what would happen?"

Regent Ward Connerly responded with, "We've already passed last year's budget, but if we didn't (pass this year's), life would still go on," before turning to Larry Hershman, vice president of budget.

"We're having a big influence, right Larry?" Connerly said jokingly.

Regent Judith Hopkinson said she was reassured by Hershman's promises of a budget proposal next fall that would be more detailed in areas such as how outreach money is spent. Regent John Davies said he shared some of Hopkinson’s concerns.

"We don't decide much at this table as far as I can see," said Davies, who added that in his eight years on the board, he hadn't seen the regents take much of a lead in the budget process.

Hershman said some of the reasons behind the process are negotiations and compromises with various groups, such as the state legislature.

Regents, he added, have the important role of determining which priorities Hershman bargains for.

Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg, a regent by virtue of his office, said Hershman was effective in passing the regents' agenda within the legislature.

"Your methodology is very effective in getting to us," Hertzberg said.

Eliseo Ilano, speaking at his last board meeting as president of the University of California Student Association, outlined a proposal for a $30 million increase in funding to pay for student services affected by university budget cuts in the early 1990s.

According to Ilano, students at various campuses have imposed additional fees upon themselves to pay for the services.

Under the proposal, UCLA would receive funding for maintenance and other projects. Such buildings, UCSA says, are at capacity and unprepared for the expected growth in student population.

Prior to Ilano's presentation, President Richard Atkinson acknowledged the effect of the budget cuts, but did express one concern.

"Part of it is, you have to get state support of the idea as well," Atkinson said.

Ilano said legislative approval of the budget items shouldn’t be a problem.

"If it's in the budget, then it's in the budget," said Ilano. "We’ve talked to a lot of legislators about it and we haven't gotten anybody that said no way."

Included in the budget is $13.8 million to phase in year-round operations, by reducing fees for students taking summer classes. Hershman told the board that the program will likely begin at the Los Angeles, Berkeley and Santa Barbara campuses.

"It's not fully funding year-round operations, but it's a start," Hershman said.

The money would bring summer fees to the same level as regular session fees, starting Summer 2001. Next year’s budget proposal – which is expected to be presented to the regents in its initial form in the fall – is slated to include funds for expansion of year-round schooling.

Hershman also told the regents that although there was increased funding for a number of items – such as research initiatives, enrollment and a 4 percent increase for faculty salaries – students wouldn't face a larger financial burden.

"We anticipate that the state will continue providing money so there won't be a fee increase," said Hershman.

Connerly, however, questioned whether the university could sustain its financial health in the future – and likened its expansion to building a structure that it might not be able to support.

"If the economy takes a downturn, we're going to have to raise these fees, probably 40 percent," Connerly said.

At UCLA, the budget will fund seismic improvements for the medical center, as well as provide money for a partnership with financially beleaguered Drew University.

Hershman received commendations from the regents for his work in hammering out the budget, as well as securing the needed amounts of assistance from state and federal levels.

Also getting high praise from the regents was Hertzberg, who showed up at the budget committee meeting in his role as a regent, to a round of applause.

"Don’t let the applause go to your head – it only lasts two years with term limits," said Regent William Bagley jokingly as Hertzberg settled down at the table.

Hertzberg acted as point man in the state legislature on several funding priorities, including money to increase the salaries of low-paid employees.

The allocation will pay for the contract with teaching assistants, as well as provide funds for whatever agreements come out of negotiations with service employee unions.