Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens Issues Statement on Outrageous CSU Executive Pay Increases Amid Budget Shortfalls
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (D-Silicon Valley) issued a statement responding the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees approval of pay increases for CSU Campus President’s salaries, most of whom are already paid more than the President of the United States:
Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens said, “The California State University system approving huge pay increases for administrators already being paid more than the President of the United States is a moral outrage and breach of the public’s trust. This outrage is amplified by the CSU policy to annually raise student tuition adopted in 2023.
CSU administrators are public servants and should not be getting rich on the backs of California families, so I am immediately exploring legislative options to rein in this abuse. Enough is enough.”
In 2023, the CSU Board of Trustees adopted a plan to raise student tuition 6% annually for 5 years starting in 2023. The annual salary for the President of the United States is $400,000.
Before the approved pay increases, the average of the base salaries for CSU Campus Presidents was $461,110. The new average base salary after the approved increases is $492,549. These base salary numbers do not include the generous housing allowances, car stipends and other financial perks that CSU administrators receive. This also does not include the cost to taxpayers of providing pensions to these administrators.
The State of California faces a projected $18 billion budget deficit in the coming fiscal year, which is projected to increase in out years. The CSU is reporting a $2.3 billion budget deficit despite raising tuition, cutting classes, laying off staff, and telling employees they cannot afford raises.
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Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens represents the Silicon Valley in the California State Assembly for District 26. He serves on the Assembly Committees on Budget, Business and Professions, Communications and Conveyance, Rules, Transportation, and Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services. Assemblymember Ahrens is the Co-Chair of the California Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus, and a member of the California Legislative Jewish and Bay Area Caucuses.
