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Student Aid Commission asks for operations and cybersecurity funding as workloads and risks grow
Summary
CSAC requested funding to hire a chief information security officer and to cover rising operating costs tied to software, cloud and contractor support; LAO asked CSAC to provide additional detail on workload and how funds would be used before approving a larger ongoing augmentation.
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) officials told the Senate subcommittee they seek an ongoing chief information security officer (CISO) position and additional operating funds to address rising costs for IT and core operations.
Amin Singh (Department of Finance) summarized the administration’s two proposals: $230,000 ongoing general fund for one CISO position and $1.4 million one‑time plus $3.4 million ongoing general fund to cover a year‑over‑year 15% increase in operating costs driven by software subscriptions, cloud hosting and specialized technology contracts. CSAC Deputy Director Jake Bremner and Executive Director Daisy Gonzalez explained the agency houses significant personally identifiable student financial‑aid data, administers $3 billion in state financial aid and supports hundreds of institutions; they said existing staffing and operating allocations are strained and that an underfunded commission increases the risk of slower processing, reduced outreach and program‑implementation delays.
The Legislative Analyst's Office recommended the Legislature request more detailed information from CSAC before approving the ongoing augmentation: LAO asked CSAC to identify specific unfulfilled workloads, program implications of not covering those tasks, and exact funding needs to fill vacancies and operating shortfalls. LAO noted CSAC has 53.5 authorized positions and about 45 filled positions and that the agency has grown over the past decade but still faces workload and funding mismatches.
CSAC witnesses urged approval of the CISO position to align with the state cyber roadmap and to address increased fraud attempts and data‑security needs. Committee members asked for more documentation; CSAC agreed to provide requested workload specifics and risk analyses for the May revise.
