The new state budget, which Gov. Jerry Brown signed last week, provides a reinvestment in the CSU of $125.1 million in new funding and $125 million reinstated from last year’s budget cut. That translates to an increase of about $13 million for Cal Poly Pomona.
The reinvestment brings state funding levels to $2.3 billion for the CSU and about $103 million to Cal Poly Pomona.
The budget will allow the CSU to focus on three main areas of expenditure: student access and success, faculty and staff compensation, and mandatory costs. The CSU remains committed to using $10 million for technology/online approaches to addressing course bottlenecks.
Despite the reinvestment in the 2013-14 budget, state funding for the CSU is less than what it was a decade ago. In 2003-04, the CSU received $2.49 billion for its general fund and resident enrollment was 90,000 students fewer than today.
“This budget officially begins the state’s reinvestment in higher education and the California State University. This wise choice by the governor and legislature will further aid California’s economic recovery,” Chancellor Timothy P. White said in a statement. “While this is an important step in the right direction, additional efforts are still needed to help meet the unprecedented demand to attend a California State University campus.
“We continue to work with our elected officials and all stakeholders on further restoration of access and increases in student success. We look forward to continued engagement on appropriate and meaningful ways to measure and be accountable for this critical work.”
To see the entire state budget, visit www.ebudget.ca.gov/home.php.