News Release
California State University leaders visit Sacramento in support of the Governor's budget for higher education
SAN FRANCISCO, May 24, 2010 –San Francisco State University President Robert A. Corrigan joined representatives from throughout the California State University in Sacramento today to meet with legislators in support of Governor Schwarzenegger's 2010-11 proposed budget for higher education. The budget restores a $305 million one-time cut to the CSU's current budget and includes an additional $60.6 million in funding for CSU's enrollment growth.
"The reinvestment in higher education is essential for California's recovery and we appreciate the Governor's continued support," CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed said. "Our hope is for the legislature's approval of the budget, so we can begin to restore access and service to students across the system."
With the timely adoption of the Governor's budget, CSU estimates that it could serve as many as 29,000 more students in 2010-11.
A recent economic report found that the CSU supports more than 150,000 jobs statewide, annually. If the impact of higher earnings for CSU alumni is included, the number of jobs supported jumps to nearly half a million. The engine driving job creation is more than $17 billion in economic activity that directly results from CSU-related spending that generates $5.43 for every dollar the state invests.
Corrigan emphasized that investments in the CSU are investments in the future of California. He cited a recent study on the economic impact of the CSU system, which showed that the impact of one campus such as SF State is enormous. Annual spending related to SF State generates a total impact of $930 million on the regional economy and more than $1 billion on the statewide economy. This impact sustains more than 7,000 jobs in the region and nearly 9,000 jobs statewide.
"Our campuses drive innovation and new directions in the California economy, from biotech and green collar jobs to all aspects of the increasingly knowledge-based economy," Corrigan said."Reinvesting in higher education is an immediate economic stimulus strategy that guarantees returns for years to come."
About the California State University
The California State University is the largest system of senior higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, approximately 433,000 students year round and 44,000 faculty and staff. Since the system was created in 1961, it has awarded nearly 2.5 million degrees, about 90,000 annually. The CSU is renowned for the quality of its teaching and for the job-ready graduates it produces. Its mission is to provide high-quality, affordable education to meet the ever-changing needs of the people of California. With its commitment to excellence, diversity and innovation, the CSU is the university system that is working for California.
- ### -
Share this story:
