Budget Proposal Takes Step Towards Restoration
The California State University received good news last week, when Governor Schwarzenegger announced his proposed state budget which includes additional funding for the CSU.
The proposal would restore $305 million to the CSU’s 2010-11 budget, as well as provide an additional $60.6 million for enrollment growth. This restoration is a commitment by the Governor to provide funding back to the CSU that was cut on a one-time basis last year.
Additionally, the Governor has recommitted to higher education by proposing a change to the state’s constitution guaranteeing at least 10% of the state general fund would be spent on higher education and its students.
We commend the Governor for his renewed investment in the CSU. If the legislature adopts this proposal it will begin to restore student access to our university. However, we still face challenging circumstances and it will be a slow process as we seek to return to financial stability - but this budget along with your continued support will help start us on the path to recovery.
Over the last two year, we have been forced to implement a number of cost cutting measures as a result of $625 million in state budget cuts. These reductions have impacted everyone at the CSU and include enrollment cuts, student fee hikes, employee furloughs, layoffs and class reductions.
It will take working together to make the Governor’s proposal a reality as the legislature will also need to make the same commitment to CSU and higher education. There are still many hurdles we will need to overcome and this can only be accomplished by your continued advocacy and help.
Join Us in Reinvesting in Education
We thank you for your hard work as advocates for the CSU and encourage you to continue making your voices heard as we move to the next step in securing CSU’s future.
With your help, we can build the case for reinvestment. We will be asking you to contact your local legislators in the next few months to let them know how important reinvesting in CSU is to the state’s economic recovery.
I encourage you to continue your work as advocates for the CSU and to share this information with others.