Whereas Article XIII Section E of Legislative Council by-laws states that the Public Information Committee create and release press releases on a need-to basis, and

Whereas Legislative Council passed legislation number R45-51, which calls for action by the UCI Budget office, and

Whereas legislative council must follow through with this request for action, and

Whereas the achievement of requested action affects the knowledge and well-being UCI students and the California public,

Let it therefore be resolved that Legislative Council release the following statement to the press, including but not limited to the New University, OC Register, and LA Times:

"Amidst mass protests by students, faculty and workers, in November 2009 the Regents of the University of California made the decision to increase student fees by 32%.  This decision resulted in a series of rallies, sit-ins, and other public demonstrations across all UC campuses. 

It is the responsibility of the Associated Students of the University of California Irvine to advocate for the rights and concerns of students.  In response to student movements demanding a revision of the current method of allocating UC Irvine resources, ASUCI legislative council has passed legislation calling for greater transparency in UCI budget allocation. Currently, the UC Irvine budget is not easily accessible online, and the UC system has yet to undergo an external audit.

Legislation number R45-51 requests that the UC Irvine Budget Office release monthly updates detailing the projected budget climate for the upcoming fiscal year, including but not limited to updates on UC Irvine plans for the upcoming fiscal year, final decisions about the campus budget, state budget projections, UC budget information and practical implications of said information. 

ASUCI Legislative Council believes that California public as well as the campus should have an opportunity to offer suggestions and comments regarding budget planning to ensure that the budget falls in line with both UC Irvine Budget Principles as stated on the Executive Vice Chancellor's website and the overall UC Policy of upholding a quality education emphasized in both the state legislature and the California Master Plan for Higher Education.

Legislative Council also recommends that the UC Irvine administration considers undergoing an external audit within the next five years to ensure the integrity of the financial statements available."

Let it further be resolved that Legislation number R45-51 be handed to Chancellor Michael Drake, Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost Michael Goddfredson, Vice Chancellor of Planning and Budget Meredith Michaels, and members of the budget working group by the authors of said legislation.