FY 2010 State Budget Update, FY 2011 Prospects

In February, 2010, Governor Chris Christie, facing a large state revenue shortfall announced current year (FY 2010) cuts of $62 million, including cuts totaling $17 million to the nine state colleges and universities.  Coming late in the fiscal year, the colleges and universities will have only a few months to absorb the cuts.

Christie had vowed to make higher education a bigger state priority compared to his predecessors.  However, in December he also said that, because of the state's dire fiscal straits, he could not rule out cuts.  The cuts come at a time when demand for education at the nine state colleges and universities is greater than it has ever been.

College leaders are expecting the governor to introduce an austere budget for FY 2011 soon.  Meanwhile, ASCU and the presidents have been working with the Christie administration and legislative leadership to reduce red tape that increases costs and to eliminate unfunded state mandates which have been extremely costly.  Others who want to be part of this advocacy effort are invited to go to www.njcollegepromise.com and join New Jersey College Promise Action Network.

150 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 | (609) 989.1100 | njascu@njascu.org