CSUEU Response to Gov. Brown’s State of the State Address

“The California State University Employees Union, representing some 15,500 classified staff employees across the CSU system, agrees with many of the points that Gov. Brown made in his State of the State address today, particularly regarding the state’s budget crisis.

“Governor Brown is correct in his assertion that the only way to deal with the deficit is through a balanced approach that includes making cuts and maintaining existing revenues. If we don’t do this by passing tax extension initiatives in the special election this June, the cuts will be twice as large, which will jeopardize the statewide recovery.

“The people of California deserve an opportunity to make their voices heard on this issue. A recent Public Policy Institute of California survey shows that there is good initial support for tax extensions. If the special election does not occur or if the tax extension fails, then the proposed $500 million cut to CSU’s 2011-12 budget could easily double. If we put California’s fiscal house in order now, starting with the June election, we can prevent additional cuts while jobs come back and our economy recovers.

“This is our opportunity to build the kind of state our children and grandchildren deserve by ensuring that the CSU is fully funded now and for years to come. After all, the CSU serves the public in many ways, primarily by creating the educated workforce that California needs to maintain a vibrant economy. Through his open process of examining state budget priorities, Gov. Brown is holding up a mirror for Californians to decide what they want their state to look like.

“We look forward to working with Gov. Brown and his administration in addressing the budget crisis, in determining how cuts to the CSU will be made.”

# # #

Incorporated in 2005 after serving its members as a division of the California State Employees Association for more than 70 years, the California State University Employees Union has built up a rich record of achievements on behalf of its more than 15,000 represented employees. Today it represents classified staff members at the CSU’s 23 campuses, as well as the Office of the Chancellor, encompassing such diverse job categories as registered nurses, custodians, groundsworkers, library assistants, graphic specialists, information technology consultants and performing arts technicians, among many others.