Gov. Brown released his 2012-2013 state budget proposal Thursday, Jan. 5, that calls for no change from this year’s level of state support of the California State University, provided that his tax initiative slated for the November ballot is passed by voters.

The proposed $2 billion in state support for the CSU is the lowest in 15 years, and reflects the continuation of a $750 million or 27 percent reduction in funding made in 2011-2012.

In addition, the proposed budget relies on the passage of the Governor’s tax measure that would raise income taxes on high-income earners and increase the state sales tax, generating approximately $7 billion a year in additional revenue.

If the measure is not approved by voters, the Governor’s budget proposal includes a series of trigger cuts that would go into effect, including an additional $200 million cut to the CSU, which represents almost 27,000 enrolled students. That would bring state support to $1.8 billion, which would be the lowest level of state funding since 1996-97, even though CSU enrolls 95,000 more students today.

“Our campuses have done everything they can just to get through this fiscal year with a $750 million budget cut,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. “We have only survived by implementing numerous cost cutting measures, being extremely prudent with resources, and spending down one-time reserves.  However, we are just about out of options, and if the state does not begin to reinvest in the CSU, we will need to take more drastic measures including cutting enrollment and programs, raising tuition and reducing personnel.”

President John D. Welty said Fresno State has been working diligently for several years to make sustainable changes — cutting personnel, trimming expenses, postponing badly-needed maintenance and streamlining programs — to best serve our students in the long term. “We pledge to continue doing that and also to continue seeking greater private support for Fresno State. However, today’s announcement merely continues the longstanding climate of economic uncertainty for our campus, but especially for our students, and that is disappointing.”

Additional information at http://www.calstate.edu/pa/News/2011/Release/2012budget.shtml

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