Gov. Gavin Newsom backed away from a proposed 7.95% funding cut to higher education and moved toward a 5% base funding increase for the University of California and California State University (CSU) systems, after concerns were raised across campuses statewide. 

According to Newsom’s new proposed budget, the CSU system will receive $5.6 billion in general fund support, making an increase of 53% since the 2018-19 fiscal year. Though some may call it a win for the CSU system, it does not specify exactly how much or when the money will reach individual campuses.

Associated Students, Inc. President Camalah Saleh said the uncertainty surrounding the budget makes it too early to celebrate. 

“It’s not really confirmed until after the May revision,” Saleh said. “Five percent is nice, but I hope we don’t settle. Advocacy needs to continue.”

Jeffery Blanks, director of budget planning and management for Fresno State, also cautioned that Newsom’s proposal remains subject to change as budget negotiations continue. 

“This is only the beginning of months-long negotiation,” Blanks said in a statement to The Collegian. “There is no guarantee the proposal will be the final budget.”

But what does the budget proposal actually include? 

While Newsom’s proposed budget includes a 5% base funding increase for the CSU system, the increase comes alongside more than $252 million in funding deferrals, delaying when campuses actually receive the money. 

Under the proposal, a portion of CSU’s compact funding would not be paid out until the 2027-28 fiscal year, leaving universities to operate in the meantime without the cash on hand. Budget officials say final allocations will not be confirmed until the May budget revision, meaning campuses like Fresno State remain in limbo as negotiations continue. 

CSU budget breakdown: 

• $5.6 billion in General Fund support for the California State University.
• Represents a 53% increase since 2018-19.
• Includes a 5% base funding increase for 2026-27.

What’s deferred:

• $252.3 million in CSU compact funding delayed until 2027-28.
• $143.8 million repayment from a prior base cut was also pushed back.

What happens next:

• Budget details may change during the May revision. 
• Final funding decisions are not expected until May.
• Campuses will not know their exact allocations until negotiations are done.

Even if the CSU system receives a 5% base increase, Fresno State may still face uncertainty because the money doesn’t go directly to each campus first. 

After the state budget is approved, funding flows to the CSU chancellor’s office, which then determines how to allocate money across campuses. This means Fresno State won’t know its final share until later in the process. 

With enrollment rising and costs still climbing, Saleh said the continued delays should signal Fresno State to plan beyond Sacramento. She added that the university may need to explore additional funding sources, including its donor base, as student fee increases and shifting state priorities limit available options. 

Until the budget is finalized, Saleh says their focus remains on continued advocacy, especially for campuses like Fresno State that play a central role in both the CSU system and the Central Valley. 

“We are still the backbone of the CSU system and this region,” Saleh said. “It’s about getting people who understand that, and care about it, to carry that message to the chancellor’s office and the California Legislature through continued advocacy.”