The California State University system is one step closer to receiving an increase in state funding.
Earlier this month, Gov. Jerry Brown added a $142.2 million increase for the CSU general fund to his proposed 2014-15 budget.
In spite of the increase, Brown’s proposed budget still falls $95.4 million short of the $237.6 million that the CSU asked for last November.
According to the CSU Board of Trustees agenda from November, part of the $237.6 million would have gone to allowing approximately 20,000 more students to enroll into the CSU. Another part of the funding request included critical infrastructure improvements.
Even though Brown’s proposal fell short of the CSU’s expectations, CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White said in a statement on the CSU website that he commends Brown’s commitment to funding the CSU.
“The proposed budget will enable the University to improve existing programs…and maintain tuition at the current rate,” White said on the CSU website.
CSU Spokesman Mike Uhlenkamp said if Brown fulfills his $142.2 million funding increase, tuition will not increase.
Some though, like President of the California Faculty Association Lillian Taiz, said Brown’s proposal does not go far enough.
“While we appreciate the Governor’s recognition … his proposal still leaves tens of thousands of California students out in the cold,” Taiz said in a statement on the CFA website. “We must make take bigger steps than Governor Brown proposes towards rebuilding the CSU and reinvesting in the core function of our universities.”
In his budget, Brown also proposed a $142.2 million increase for the University of California’s general fund. He said on his website that he hopes the increased funding will allow the UC avoid raising its tuition and fees.
Brown’s revised budget will be available in May, according to his website.