CSCU Statement on Governor Malloy’s Proposed 2018 Budget

Manchester, Conn. (February 8, 2017) — Today Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian issued a statement reacting to budget issues affecting the system. The text of the press release with the statement is below:

Today, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) learned that a 4.4% cut to the system is being proposed in the 2018 biennium budget by Governor Malloy. This represents a decrease of approximately $25 million to the total allocation that includes fringe benefits. In response, CSCU President Mark Ojakian made the following statement:

“Our state has faced significant fiscal challenges for some time and there was no indication that this year would be different. Over the last year and a half, we have made many tough decisions to live within our means while always putting our students first.  However, responding year after year by cutting costs and services is not a viable solution to the shrinking budgets we know exist in the foreseeable future. We must do our part to develop a long-term plan for our system that is realistic, predictable and sustainable in the future and provides our students the opportunities they need and deserve.” 

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Background:

• CSCU educates 45% of Connecticut’s college-age population
• There are 85,000 students in the CSCU system; 96% are from Connecticut
• Almost 75% are employed in the state within 9 months of graduation
• Graduates from CSCU certificate programs experience a wage earning increase of 38%-56%, Associate degree graduates see a wage increase of 61%-70%