CSU seeks $372M more from state in $4.5B budget

Cal State seeks $372 million more in state funding in $4.5 billion budget for 2013-14

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The California State University board of trustees has approved a $4.5 billion budget for 2013-14 that includes a request for $372 million in additional state funds.

The board on Wednesday approved the spending plan that calls for increasing enrollment by 5 percent, or 20,000 students, as well as funding additional courses for current students.

Robert Turnage, the assistant vice chancellor for budget, says the budget strikes a reasonable balance between the state's fiscal realities and student demand at Cal State, which serves 427,000 students at 23 campuses.

Increasing enrollment will cost about $156 million, and will generate about $70 million in revenue.

The budget also includes $86.3 million to give 3 percent raises to faculty and staff, subject to labor contracts, and $50 million for urgent maintenance needs.