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Trustees adopt state legislative principles for 2025—26, vow continued advocacy amid budget cuts
Summary
The committee approved unchanged legislative principles to guide CSU's state lobbying in 2025—26, while trustees discussed adding a 'do no harm' concept and coordinated advocacy calendars to respond to proposed budget cuts.
The Committee on Governmental Relations voted to adopt the California State University's state legislative principles for 2025—26, preserving the language the board has used since 2019 and authorizing the chancellor's office and the committee to use the principles to guide positions during the legislative session.
Assistant Vice Chancellor Nathan Dietrich presented the principles and a preview of the 2025 state legislative environment, telling trustees the principles will guide CSU engagement with the governor and Legislature and that no changes were proposed because the framework has allowed the system to be nimble.
Why it matters: Trustees said the principles frame how the system responds to policy and budgetary proposals. Several trustees emphasized the urgency of advocacy after the chancellor and staff briefed the committee about a proposed $375 million state budget cut and associated funding risks to campuses. Trustees discussed expanding advocacy efforts with alumni and local constituencies to protect campuses from further reductions.
Key discussion points: Trustee Gilbert Lohrey suggested adding an overriding principle such as 'first, do no harm' or language prioritizing fundamental university needs. AVC Dietrich and other trustees said the board's leaders already keep that priority in mind and that the committee could consider specific language in the future. Trustees also discussed timing and format of campus advocacy events; some asked whether trustee advocacy day should be consolidated with the CSU's campus-centered Advocacy Day to create a single, larger advocacy event. Staff said logistical constraints and meeting-size limits are drivers of the current staggered schedule but said they would continue exploring options.
Schedule and priorities: Dietrich reviewed the near-term calendar: bill introduction deadline is Feb. 21; the CSU Advocacy Day will be March 19 in Sacramento; the Trustee Advocacy Day is scheduled for April 29; the May revision to the state budget follows two weeks after the trustee day. He also reminded trustees that the board will continue to review bills and take positions as needed under the adopted principles.
Vote and outcome: The committee moved and seconded approval and adopted the principles. In roll-call voting, Trustee Rodriguez, Trustee Breyer, Trustee Wejardo, Trustee Campbell, Trustee Lopez, Trustee Molina Moncio, Trustee Malecar, Chair Clark and Chancellor Garcia voted yes; Trustee Feagin voted no; Trustee Gilbert Lohrey abstained. The motion passed.
Ending: Trustees directed staff to continue an assertive, coordinated advocacy campaign with the chancellor and campus leaders to protect CSU funding and to refine outreach strategies for alumni and local constituencies.
