DR. BRITT RIOS-ELLIS
California State University, Stanislaus
As California faces tough budgetary choices, we must not lose sight of what’s truly at stake. Cutting funding to the California State University (CSU) wouldn’t just jeopardize access to higher education for thousands of students — it would compromise our state’s ability to cultivate the diverse, skilled workforce that fuels our future.
As someone who has dedicated my life to student success and public service, I urge our state leaders to reconsider the proposed $144 million cut to the CSU’s 2025-26 budget. While Governor Newsom’s May Revision marks progress, this reduction would still harm our students, workforce and economy. Our message remains clear: “stop the CSU cuts.”
These cuts risk unraveling decades of progress in social mobility and economic vitality — especially in the Central Valley, where the CSU is a lifeline to opportunity.
At Stanislaus State, we see the transformative power of a CSU education every day. We’re proud to be ranked No. 2 nationally for social mobility and No. 9 among public universities — rankings that reflect our students’ persistence and the excellence of our faculty and staff. Nearly 70% of our students are Pell-eligible, many are working adults and caregivers, and most are the first in their families to attend college. A proposed $3.1 million cut to Stan State would threaten programs and services central to our mission of access and excellence.
These cuts have real consequences: fewer classes, fewer faculty and staff, less advising and mental health support, and longer paths to graduation. They threaten the essence of who we are and what we stand for.
Stanislaus State is an economic engine for the Central Valley. A recent study shows the University contributes $770.5 million in annual income to our six-county region, supporting more than 9,000 jobs. For every dollar the state invests, Stan State returns nearly $7 to California’s economy.
We’re also expanding our reach. Our Stockton Campus is growing as a hub for healthcare and behavioral health education, helping address workforce shortages in one of California’s fastest-growing counties.
According to the California Health Care Foundation, the San Joaquin Valley has about 47 primary care physicians for every 100,000 residents — well below the state average of 60. In San Joaquin County, the number drops to 39. Our students and graduates are serving where the need is greatest.
The CSU is California’s most powerful talent engine. Each year, more than 125,000 graduates enter the workforce with the skills, heart and drive to lead and serve. They teach in classrooms, care in clinics and hospitals, support businesses and strengthen civic institutions.
Fields like education, healthcare, public administration and business — many already facing shortages — would suffer further setbacks if our ability to educate future leaders is restricted. We also risk losing ground in supporting first-generation, low-income and historically underserved students. At a time when California urgently needs a workforce ready to meet the future, disinvesting in the CSU takes us down a daunting path.
Investing in the CSU isn’t a cost — it’s a commitment. A commitment to the determination and transformational potential of our students. A commitment to the vitality of our communities. And a commitment to building a California that is strong, just and inclusive.
Please lend your voice to this critical effort. Visit the “Stop Cuts to the CSU” webpage to email your legislators and help amplify our message. Let’s ensure the final state budget reflects our shared values — and the needs of our future.
¡Adelante, Guerreros! Warriors, this is our time to Stan Up — for opportunity and for the promise of higher education in the Central Valley.
