UC Board To Endorse Tax Initiative, Freeze Tuition

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — University of California leaders are planning to freeze tuition and endorse Gov. Jerry Brown's tax initiative, but UC students could face a steep midyear tuition hike if voters reject the November ballot measure.

The UC board of regents is voting Wednesday on a resolution to support the governor's tax measure and hold tuition at 2011-12 levels.

Under the recently adopted state budget, funding for the 10-campus system would remain stable this fiscal year and increase by $125 million next year — if the university doesn't raise tuition and voters approve Brown's tax plan.

But if the initiative fails, UC would face a midyear budget cut of $250 million.

If that happens, officials say the UC system will consider a range of unpopular actions, including raising tuition by as much as 20 percent.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.