Breaking News

Tell CA Legislature: Pass the Budget, Fully Fund the CSU

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:42:22 GMT

We are mounting our strongest fight yet to win full Salary Steps for Staff and a first contract for Student Assistants this year - and we have powerful support: The Governor's state budget proposal includes full funding for the CSU!

That means the Chancellor's Office has no more excuses not to follow through on their commitments.

We need to encourage our elected legislators to adopt the budget and commit to fully funding their compact with the CSU.

Send an email to your state legislators right now to ask that they support the CSU and the Staff who make student success possible.

CSUEU Statement on Governor's State Budget Proposal FY 2026-27

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:51:57 GMT

Final CA State Budget Fully Funds the CSU

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:02:58 GMT

WE DID IT! Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the state budget and the $321 billion spending plan includes full funding for the CSU.

Our stories, our advocacy, our calls and emails these past months all contributed to a united message that state leaders clearly heard and support: The CSU promise to help students advance - and its commitment to Salary Steps for staff - deserve full state funding.

Budget highlights:

Prevents the pending 3% cut to the CSU for 2025 but defers payment of $144 million to 2026-27 fiscal year.
Improves the deferral of the 2025 Compact funding by splitting it into 2 years (pays 2% increase in 2026-27 and pays a 3% in 2028-29) and also provides a lump sum payment in 2027-28 of $252,255,000.
Creates a state finance line of credit to support the CSU in 2025-26 for any cash flow challenges during the deferral period (a new item).
Allocates $45 million for Sonoma State University.
Provides $5 million to low-enrollment campuses for recruitment.
Requires each enrollment-challenged campus to submit a strategic enrollment plan to the CSU Chancellor by Dec. 31, 2025, and the Chancellor to submit the entire set of plans to the Legislature by March 1, 2026.

With this budget, legislative leaders and the Governor are also telling the CSU and Board of Trustees they are not getting a blank check. Commitments to staff students must be honored.

In July, the CSU should inform us of their position to either fully implement steps or implement partial steps and re-open the CSUEU contract.

Two actions all members can take to show the CSU we demand Salary Steps this year:
Join our Union
Grow our political power

CA Legislature Agrees on Budget

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 17:26:45 GMT

CSUEU members’ voices made a difference - but there's one more collective action we need to take to get the job done!

The Senate and Assembly have agreed on a proposed state budget and will submit the plan to Gov. Gavin Newsom for negotiations. The Legislature’s proposal (AB 101 and SB 101) restores the pending 3% cut to the CSU and splits the deferral of Compact funding over two years.

This is good news and reflects the hard work CSUEU members have put in to advocate for full CSU funding since the Governor first proposed a whopping 8% funding cuts to the University. The Legislative budget is complicated as the state faces external challenges from the federal government which normally funds 40-45% of any state budget.

Highlights From the Legislative Budget:

Restores the pending 3% cut to the CSU for 2025 but defers payment of $144 million to 2026-27 fiscal year.
Improves the deferral of the 2025 Compact funding by splitting it into 2 years (pays 2% increase in 2026-27 and pays a 3% in 2028-29) and also provides a lump sum payment in 2027-28 of $252,255,000.
Creates a state finance line of credit to support the CSU in 2025-26 for any cash flow challenges during the deferral period (a new item).
Requires each enrollment-challenged campus to submit a strategic enrollment plan to the Chancellor by Dec. 31, 2025, and the Chancellor to submit the entire set of plans to the Legislature by March 1, 2026.

What We Can Do Now
The Assembly and Senate will vote on the budget measure Friday and Gov. Newsom has until June 30 to sign the budget. We’ve shared our important stories - why our work matters and is essential for student success.

It is now in the Governor’s hands and he needs to hear from us one last time!

Send Gov. Newsom an email right now to thank him for encouraging the CSU to keep its Compact commitments - and to urge him to work with the Legislature to provide the CSU the tools to maintain premiere campuses with a competitive workforce.

State Budget May Revision Brings Some Relief to the CSU - But More Work To Do

Mon, 19 May 2025 14:42:48 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised state budget proposal on Wednesday significantly scaled back the initial 7.95% cuts to the CSU announced in January. In the new “May Revise,” CSU funding is reduced by 3% - representing a huge swing from the initial $375 million cut down to $143.8 million.

Read the full budget summary.

The state’s five-year funding “compact” with the CSU, guaranteeing 5% annual increases, remains deferred for two years, but the Governor vowed that the promised increases are “locked in” for the future.

“That is sacrosanct, they will get that 5% bump,” Newsom said at his press conference. “We are fully committed to fulfilling our part of the deal.”

"Overall, the proposed reduced funding cuts to the CSU is a small but important victory for CSUEU members, made possible by our effective advocacy work in Sacramento, which included a statewide email campaign, face-to-face visits with legislators, and our Fund the CSU video."
- Catherine Hutchinson, CSUEU President

The Fight Is Not Over

Make no mistake: the fight is far from over. We must keep up the pressure - not just with legislators to fully fund the CSU, but also with CSU leadership to do the right thing: Fully implement compact commitments including salary steps for career staff and negotiate a fair contract for student assistants.

Our “Keep the Promise, Fund the CSU” campaign must continue. We need every member engaged. If you're not a CSUEU member, sign up today. If you're not yet contributing to the PAC, now is the time.

Together, we will win. Together, we will secure the fair wages and respect we deserve as the staff who support student success.

President Hutchinson's Remarks for SSU Legislative Hearing

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 17:50:52 GMT

Elected state leaders held a second public legislative forum on April 14 at Sonoma State University to scrutinize the campus administration's plan for SSU's future.

Senator Cabaldon (D-Davis) and Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) co-chaired the hearing, joined by Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast), Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), and Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa).

CSUEU President Catherine Hutchinson was invited to speak on a panel, sharing CSUEU's response to the Administration's “Bridge to the Future Action Plan.”

Below are the full remarks from President Hutchinson:

As the union representing 35,000 career staff and student workers across the CSU, we care deeply about the University and its future.

What happened at Sonoma State was not just a mistake, it was a failure of leadership. It is a case study in how not to run a public university. And may it be a lesson for the leadership at all the other campuses. Management decisions that affect thousands of students and workers’ lives must not be made in isolation without robust input from those on the front lines.

Thank you to our North Bay legislators who heard the outrage from the campus community - and took quick action to hold SSU leadership to account.

The “Bridge to the Future Action Plan” from the SSU Administration is a start but it clearly needs more work and more input from the represented employees at the CSU. Let us be clear: the CSU is not a corporation, and our campuses are not businesses. They are engines of hope, upward mobility, and transformation for Californians.

Page 1 of the SSU action plan cites the most significant challenge facing the University over the past decade: a loss of 38% in enrollment since 2015, among the steepest enrollment losses within the CSU system. This major problem was documented for 10 years. And yet campus leadership stood by while student support programs were cut, staff were stretched thin, and the campus community was left in the dark. Where was the plan then?

These hard questions need to be asked and answered so that they are not repeated in the future. The public and legislators need to know.

We wholeheartedly agree with this line from the report: “Our recent budget decisions now need to become investment decisions. Those investments are going to help recruit students, retain them, prepare them for careers … and keep them in the North Bay to reduce the region’s ‘brain drain’ and create a ‘brain gain.’

Our core message is this: A strong CSU starts with a strong investment in its people.

Successful execution for the goals outlined and the tactics proposed in the Action Plan rests squarely on human resources. Increasing enrollment by 20%; expanding high-demand academic programs; building campus community by enhancing campus spaces - these steps are smart and strategic - and require human and financial capital.
We serve immigrant families, working-class students, and our Dreamers. Our mission is to lift people up, to prepare Californians not only for jobs, but for full lives of civic engagement and community contribution.

California’s future runs through the CSU. We need the state to fund Sonoma State, protect it, and strengthen it. Not just in one-time funding. But as a long-term commitment to Californians’ future.

And that funding must come with a plan, strong oversight, and key benchmarks. Thank you.

2025-26 Budget Proposal Funds Compact to Allow the CSU to Proceed with Full Salary Steps Implementation

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:49:25 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2025–26 fiscal year budget proposal includes $252.3 million in ongoing General Fund that will allow the CSU to honor its contract agreement with CSUEU members to implement a full Steps salary structure this year.

Even though the budget proposal reduces 7.95% in ongoing general fund support for the CSU - approximately $375 million - the Governor sent an unmistakable message to CSU leadership that the University has the funding to proceed with a Steps scale where staff pay increases with each year of service.

Budget Impact on Salary Steps
CSUEU members’ contract specifies that salary steps placement would start in October 2025 unless state compact funding fell below $227 million. In his budget proposal, the Governor made sure it didn’t.

“The Administration maintains its commitment to the multi-year Compact Agreement, and the CSU will receive $252.3 million ongoing General Fund, representing a five-percent base increase in the fourth year of the Compact, though the 2025-26 amount is deferred to 2027-28,” according to the budget summary on higher education.

Under compacts negotiated between the Governor and the CSU (as well as the UC) in 2022, the state guaranteed 5 percent funding increases each year for five years. In exchange, the university systems agreed to increase in-state admissions and meet other goals.

What’s Next
The budget proposal is contingent on many uncertainties still to come. First, it’s only the first draft; over the next months, special interests and legislators will weigh in with counter proposals. Second, 60 percent of the CSU funding comes from the state. It is not known what federal funding or cuts may be coming under a new White House administration.

We have work to do to make sure CSU leadership keep their promise and fully fund a steps placement schedule this year.

Our Union is scheduling town halls next week to provide more information about the budget and what we can do to win the pay equity we deserve.
Please use the following registration links:

Jan. 22: 12 Noon and 6 p.m.
Jan 23: 11 a.m.
Jan. 24: 12 Noon

Be sure to attend a session and be ready to take action to demand that the CSU “Keep the Promise” to its career staff who show up every day to support student success.

If you want to win Steps this year, the first thing you can do is activate your CSUEU membership!

CA State Budget: What Student Assistants Should Know

Wed, 15 May 2024 14:31:23 GMT

CA Budget: Q & A for CSUEU Unit 15 Student Assistants

Q. What is a state budget?
A. A state budget is the government spending plan for the year. It provides funding for vital public services such as child care, health care, housing, transportation, K-12 schools, colleges, and much more. Some consider it a "moral document," because it lays out the priorities that we as a society want to invest in.

Q. What is the "May Revise" and how does it affect the CSU?
A. Gov. Gavin Newsom's latest budget plan came out Friday (May 10) and is an updated - or "revised" version of the initial January budget proposal. The May Revise reflects declining state revenues, which are heavily dependent on stock market earnings. However, there is no immediate impact on the CSU. More details are still to come.

Q. I keep hearing about the "CSU Compact." What is it and how is it affected by the budget?
A. The Governor made a compact with the CSU and the UC in 2022, guaranteeing 5 percent funding increases each year for five years for both institutions. In exchange, the university systems agreed to increase in-state admissions and meet other goals. The expectation is that both the state and the CSU will honor their compact commitments (which include staff compensation and raises) this year.

Anticipating a budget shortfall, the Governor and Legislature made adjustments in April - netting the state $17.3 billion, which came from program cuts and funding delays. One delay tactic included deferring payment of the CSU compact increase of $240 million for a year.

The compact is still in place and CSUEU-represented Staff expect to see a 5% general increase on July 1, 2024, as negotiated in the union contract. The state budget itself must be voted on and passed by both the state Assembly, Senate and then signed by the Governor.

Q. Are we changing our bargaining strategy or demands?
A. No and No. We have taken the first step of negotiations by exchanging opening "Sunshine" proposals." See proposals from CSUEU and the CSU.
The time of exploiting student work as less than real work is over. We expect fairer wages and better benefits that reflect the important services we provide our CSU communities.

Q. I hear some campuses have a "hiring chill/freeze" or early exits for Staff?
The Chancellor’s Office produces a campus allocation budget memo each year. This memo shows what the campus receives from the CSU system.
Some campuses are seeing enrollment challenges, so that could impact what they receive in the allocation memo.

When a campus makes any material decision, the CSU is obligated to notify the union so that we can bargain over the issue, known as “Meet and Confer.”
CSUEU will continue advocating for the CSU to honor its commitments to employees. Working with allies in the State Capitol as well as with CSU and campus leaders, we must come together to resolve the revenue shortfall at the state level.

Q. What's next in the budget process?
A. Expect to see continuing negotiations among legislators and stakeholders in Sacramento. The Legislature has until June 15 to adopt a budget. CSU staff and students are the engine of California’s economy; we call on the Governor and Legislature to keep campuses operating at the highest possible level.

CSUEU Leader Testifies at Higher Ed Committee To Support Title IX Reform

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:48:24 GMT

Thanks to strong activism from CSU staff and students, state legislators are taking concrete steps to combat sexual discrimination and harassment at the CSU, UC and community colleges with multiple legislation, including SB 1166, authored by Sen. Bill Dodd and co-sponsored by CSUEU.

This week, the state Assembly Committee on Higher Education heard public testimony on Assembly bills that would strengthen Title IX, a 1972 federal law that protects students and employees in educational settings against sexual harassment or discrimination based on sex.

But as CSUEU Vice President for Finance Terry Wilson stated at the April 16 hearing, policies without enforcement provide little protection.

“Over the last few years, increasing numbers of media reports as well as investigations conducted by the State Auditor’s office and by this committee have all highlighted a need for systemic Title IX reform,” Terry said. “At the CSU, our members conduct intake on reports of sexual misconduct and are targets of that behavior themselves, so we have both witnessed and personally experienced issues with the CSU’s Title IX system such as outrageous case delays, lack of consequences for those who violate Title IX policies, and oftentimes lack of any investigation at all.”

Terry and others came to the hearing to support two bills (AB 2047 and AB 2048) from Assemblymember Mike Fong, who chairs the Assembly Higher Education Committee. Our Union wrote letters of support for all 12 bills pending that seek to bolster Title IX reform.

AB 2047 will establish critical oversight to ensure that all of our public higher education institutions are actively monitoring compliance with federal, state, and systemwide policies to prevent and address sex discrimination on campus.

AB 2048 addresses adequate staffing, which is absolutely essential to support a robust and effective Title IX system. While there has been a lot of focus placed specifically on the CSU’s Title IX system, this bill gives us the opportunity to prevent the same systemic failings from occurring across our UC and community college campuses as well.

“Everyone who steps foot onto a state campus deserves to live, work, and learn in a safe environment and we believe [these bills are] an important step toward achieving that.” - Terry Wilson, CSUEU Vice President for Finance

The state Assembly Committee on Higher Education released a report in March called “A Call to Action,” which looks at how higher education institutions are preventing and addressing sex discrimination on campuses.

More Info: Read EdSource coverage and the list of 12 state legislation pending related to Title IX reform.

State Draft 2024-25 Budget Funds Compact with CSU, with Deferment

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:43:45 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s draft budget includes $240 million for the CSU but defers actual payment of this money to the next fiscal year 2025-26. Under so-called “compacts” negotiated between the Governor and the CSU (as well as the UC) in 2022, the state guaranteed 5 percent funding increases each year for five years. In exchange, the university systems agreed to increase in-state admissions and meet other goals.

Facing a $38 billion budget deficit, the Governor says the CSU (and UC) should fulfill their compact commitments (including staff compensation and raises) and spend their own CSU money or borrow money and the state will reimburse both higher ed institutions in 2025.

CSUEU members in Units 2,5,7 and 9 ratified a 3-year contract which provided for a 5% salary increase, retroactive to July 1, 2023. We are expecting the 5% bump in paychecks by April 1. In addition, we are scheduled to receive our second 5% general raise on July 1, 2024. More information is contained in a CSU Jan. 16, 2024 letter to employees.

CSUEU leaders will work with the CSU, the Governor's office, and the Legislature to make sure the compact funding is protected in this year’s budget.

The Governor's budget is Step 1 in a 6-month process of legislative hearings – and intense negotiations - culminating on June 15, the deadline for the state to adopt a budget. The next key step is May when the Governor issues a revised budget. Stay tuned for future budget updates.

If you are not yet a member of the union, now is the time to join to increase our member strength. Political advocacy is also critical to make our voices heard in Sacramento. Contribute to our Political Activities Committee here.

Even though the overall state budget is uncertain, the CSU community is united in expecting the Governor to keep his multiyear commitment to funding the University which is essential to close equity gaps and promote student success.
- Catherine Hutchinson, CSUEU President