Gov. Schwarzenegger proposes to restore $305 million to the California State University’s 2010-11 budget, as well as provide an additional $60.6 million for enrollment growth.

The major cuts to the CSU budget in 2009-10 included $305 million in “one-time” cuts that the Administration had committed to restore in 2010-11.

“We commend the governor for his renewed investment in the California State University,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. “If adopted by the Legislature, this budget will allow us to begin restoring student access to our university.

“In this extremely difficult budget climate, we recognize and very much appreciate the governor making higher education a priority. Clearly, he understands how important restored budgets for higher education are for jobs and California’s economic recovery.”

Reed added, “We are still faced with challenging circumstances and it will be a slow process as we seek to return to financial stability. This budget will help start us on the path to recovery.”

California State University, Fresno President John D. Welty joined Reed in his praise of Schwarzenegger’s budget message delivered today, Jan. 8.

“I am encouraged by the governor’s expressed commitment to restore some of the funding for higher education and to attempt to provide additional funds for enrollment growth,” Welty said.

“We will continue our advocacy efforts to make sure the needs of students and the CSU are addressed as the budget process moves forward,” he added.

However, the additional enrollment funding is contingent upon the state receiving a threshold amount in federal aid for other state programs.

Over the past two years, the CSU has implemented a number of cost-cutting measures including enrollment cuts, student fee hikes, employee furloughs and layoffs and class reductions to address a 21 percent or $625 million decrease in state support. While the additional funding proposed will allow the CSU more flexibility, the level of state support is still below the level in 2007-08.

“We look forward to working with the Legislature to reinvest and restore funding for the California State University as we move through the budget process,” added Reed.

The proposed budget provides more than $2.7 billion from the state General Fund and more than $2 billion from student fee revenue.

For the CSU, the governor’s budget proposal restores $305 million, which was the portion of 2009-10 budget cuts that were one-time in nature, and provides an additional $60.6 million for enrollment growth.