Make your voice heard!
The California State University faces a significant $375 million cut in the proposed 2025-26 state budget, threatening the quality of education provided to its more than 460,000 students at its 23 campuses, jeopardizing gains in enrollment, graduation rates and delivery of basic services.
The governor's budget proposal, which is now being considered by the legislature, threatens the CSU's financial stability and ability to serve students. In addition to the proposed $375 million cut, a planned 5% base funding increase in 2025-26 was deferred to 2027-28 with a promise of one-time back payments.
Will you join us in urging state lawmakers to #stopCSUcuts?
Contact Your Legislators
Impact of the Proposed Budget Cut
The proposed $375 million budget cut to the CSU system threatens to severely impact students and campuses statewide. Reduced funding would mean larger class sizes, fewer course options, and cuts to vital support services—making it harder for students to graduate on time and succeed. Ongoing layoffs and hiring freezes would further strain campus operations and compromise the quality of education.
How to Contact Your Legislators
It is the responsibility of the state legislature to review, discuss, and refine the Governor's budget proposal. Your advocacy plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome. Personal engagement is one of the most effective ways to make a difference — especially when our voices unite. Now is the time for the CSU community to come together, amplify our collective voice, and ensure that the California State University system remains strong and accessible for future generations!
Contact your legislators in two easy steps:
- Find your state legislator by entering your home address here: http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/ and follow the links on their website to contact them.
- Send your legislator an email using the template below. Keep your message short and make it personal!
Suggested Email
Dear [Legislator's Name],
As the legislature crafts the state budget, I respectfully urge you to protect California State University (CSU) funding by stopping the proposed $375 million cut and upholding the commitments outlined in the Multi-Year Compact.
While I recognize the state's budget challenges, reducing the CSU's funding will harm its 460,000 students, delay thousands of students from graduating and entering the workforce and hinder economic growth. The CSU and each of its universities are of critical importance to our state and community.
Fully funding the CSU will ensure access for thousands of California students, will help keep tuition affordable, and will ensure students have the support they need in and out of the classroom. The CSU represents the best of what California has to offer in terms of a high-quality education, workforce development and social mobility.
Budget cuts would force campuses to cut up to $30 million, weakening workforce preparedness and harming students, staff and faculty. Additionally, the proposed cut of $375 million is 8% of the CSU's state funding. A cut of that size is not equitable when compared to the cuts other state agencies are facing. I urge you to prioritize CSU's funding in the 2025-26 state budget and to not cut its funding.
Thank you for your consideration of this request and for your support of the CSU and its students.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
BONUS STEP: Consider sharing your voice on social media. Has the CSU had a positive impact on your life? Please a post on how these budget cuts could impact you.
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