In our CUCSA Town Hall on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, we invited UC Systemwide State and Federal Governmental Relations Offices to discuss state budget and key legislation, and present an overview of the UC Advocacy Network (UCAN).
Related Links and Resources
- Town Hall slide deck
- UC Advocacy Network (UCAN)
- Systemwide State Governmental Relations
- Systemwide Federal Governmental Relations
- Federal Updates
- Office of California State Senator Jesse Arreguín
Q&A
- Q: Are federally negotiated rates expected to decrease or increase across sister campuses in the upcoming years?
- A: Two funding bills that Congress passed Congress in early January, as well as two additional funding bills released on Jan. 20, include protective language that ensures the current facilities and administrative (F&A) cost rate remains the same through the end of the current federal fiscal year. These cover agencies like the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. Find more information about F&A rates here.
- Q: Now that most of the NIH and NSF grants have been restored, how are federal actions affecting our UC campuses? Are there any new federal actions or fallout we can expect this year?
- A: UC’s $5.7 billion annual research and program support portfolio faces further risks from new federal policies, including potential reductions in facilities and administrative recovery costs, new limits on application submissions and possible additional cuts to research programs outside of the administration’s priorities.
UC is facing one of the most significant disruptions to its research enterprise in its 157-year history with the unprecedented suspension, termination and, in some cases, reinstatement of federal research grants. Between Jan. 20, 2025, and Oct. 28, 2025, more than 1,600 grants across the UC system were affected. The reinstatements have been critical in protecting UC’s research enterprise in the short term, but the funds remain vulnerable to further federal actions. Stay up to date here.
- A: UC’s $5.7 billion annual research and program support portfolio faces further risks from new federal policies, including potential reductions in facilities and administrative recovery costs, new limits on application submissions and possible additional cuts to research programs outside of the administration’s priorities.
- Q: Can you talk about why it is important that we also reach out to our legislative advocates?
- A: Grassroots advocacy is a powerful tool. Lawmakers expect to hear from advocates for UC – what moves the needle is hearing from people who live in their district. Grassroots advocates are constituents first. They connect an issue to local voters and local impact. It’s also a numbers game. One message is helpful; hundreds or thousands is a signal. Legislative offices log every email, every phone call and every social media tag. The more messages they receive, the more visibility we gain, and the bigger impact we have on the issues that matter most to UC. Information about how to effectively contact your legislators is available here.
- Q: Can you speak to the federal and state political landscape and its impact on UC?
- A: Never in its history has the University of California faced the kind of fiscal uncertainty that it does today. UC’s budget challenges stem from rising operating costs associated with serving an expanded student population, state budget deferrals, and numerous federal actions that directly affect our research mission, and support for students, faculty and staff.
- On the federal side, between Jan. 20, 2025, and Oct. 28, 2025, more than 1,600 grants across the UC system were affected. While some have been reinstated, in total, the University of California is still facing a potential loss of more than $1 billion in federal research funding. These actions threaten scientific discovery, jobs, and student training opportunities.
- At the state level, Gov. Newsom and legislative leaders have been steadfast in their support for UC. At the same time, California is still navigating a challenging budget environment. While the Governor’s proposed budget is a strong starting point, UC is still facing deferrals for funds needed to support the thousands of additional already enrolled to meet its obligations under the Compact.
- Despite these pressures, UC President James B. Milliken and UC leaders remain focused on doing everything possible to protect the University’s values and mission. Read more here
