Fresno State Budget Woes

Tough budget times again at Fresno State. On Wednesday, President John Welty announced a big financial dilemma. It’s just days after the governor released his budget proposal. The governor is asking voters to approve a tax-increase initiative in November. If that fails, President Welty says it’ll force Fresno State to make even more deep cuts. 

Fresno State’s President John Welty delivered bad news at his first assembly of the year. 

“The leaders of this state have chosen to disinvest in higher education in the state of California,” said Welty.

In Governor Brown's recent budget proposal, there's no change in public university funding, which was slashed last year.  And that's best case scenario.  It’s assuming the tax measure passes.  If it doesn't pass, Fresno state will lose $11 million dollars, which creates a major planning dilemma.

“We go into a year where they'll be a ballot in November.  If that ballot doesn't pass, we get another $200 million dollar reduction [for the Cal State system] at midyear when we really cannot make significant adjustments,” said Welty.

Undergrad students are already facing a nearly $500 dollar tuition hike, forcing working students like Justin Torres to take out loans.

“Now I feel like this is the first year I have to take loans, not just to afford school, but to afford living,” said Torres, a sophomore Business major.

Another student says she feels the state is neglecting her peers.

“If the government isn't investing in us, what future do we have?” questioned Alheli Cuenca.

Welty hopes to avoid further fee increases to students.  A task force is looking at creative ways to generate revenue.  In the meantime he's calling on students and alumni to help matters by voting.

“It's time for us to standup and be clear in this state.  Public higher education has got to be a priority,” said Welty.

Welty hopes to have a budget plan laid out in February.