Deep freeze forecast for UC/CSU executive pay

SACRAMENTO
December 4, 2012 11:43am

As promised, California’s state lawmakers are being asked to consider legislation that would freeze the pay of top executives of the California State University and University of California systems.

The legislation would block pay raises during bad budget years or when student fees increase.

Recently, the UC Regents approved a salary of over $486,000 for incoming UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks, which is a 10 percent increase from the current UC Berkeley chancellor. In addition, Dirks will be paid moving expenses, over $30,000 bonus, annual auto allowance, and a house on the Berkeley campus. $50,000 of his salary will be paid for using foundation dollars, which otherwise could go to student scholarships and other campus services, Mr. Yee says.

“Despite calls from the Governor, UC and CSU continue to line the pockets of their top administrators,” says Mr. Yee, author of the legislation, SB8. “The Regents and Trustees treat dollars meant for students as a personal slush fund for already wealthy executives. SB 8 will stop these egregious compensation practices and help restore the public trust.”

In 2009, Mr. Yee saw his legislation similar to this session’s SB 8 be approved by the Legislature only to be vetoed by then Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Gov. Jerry Brown has publicly stated that UC and CSU should resist pay hikes for their top administrators.

SB 8 will be considered in a Senate policy committee in early 2013.