Trustee action prompts legislation

Sen. Lieu pushes bill limiting CSU salaries and raises in wake of $100,000 raise, tuition hike

SACRAMENTO - In the aftermath of California State University trustees granting a $100,000 raise to a campus president immediately after approving a 12-percent tuition hike, Sen. Ted W. Lieu, today announced introduction of a bill to limit salaries and prioritize California talent.

"I believe a $100,000 annual raise to San Diego State University's new president was unreasonable, especially while tuition fees for students were increased by 12 percent," Lieu, D-Torrance, said. "They have not listened to my call to reverse the pay hike. I'm pushing to limit salaries to a reasonable level of compensation."

Designated Senate Bill X1 26 because it was introduced as part of the Senate's special session to address fiscal issues, Lieu's bill has three goals:

·        CSU trustees cannot pay campus presidents more than 150 percent of the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court unless approved by the governor. The chief justice earns $228,856. Under Lieu's bill, the pay for campus presidents would be limited to $343,269.

·        CSU trustees cannot approve any pay hikes or bonuses if a student tuition increase has occurred within three years.

·        When hiring a campus president, CSU trustees must give first preference to applicants within the CSU system. Secondary consideration will then be given to California residents. Out-of-state residents would be given last priority.

Lieu's SBX1 26 is awaiting assignment to a policy-review committee, which is expected to occur within the next week. If approved and signed into law, it would take effect 90 days after the end of session because it is part of the special fiscal session.