CFA annually adopts a legislative agenda that reflects the priorities of the organization along with the prevailing political and economic climate of the state. Broadly stated, CFA's legislative agenda is developed to preserve and enhance the instructional mission of the CSU through supporting legislation that promotes faculty rights and the quality of education, and by opposing legislation that detracts from these objectives.

AB 656: Oil/Natural Gas Severance Tax for Higher Education

CFA position: Sponsor

Overview
Assemblymember Alberto Torrico has introduced AB 656 – a bill sponsored by CFA – to create a sorely needed source of funding for California’s public higher education system.

Public higher education in California is in crisis, consistent funding cannot be postponed any longer.

This bill would create a stable funding source for all three segments of public higher education in California by enacting a new tax at the wellhead on oil and natural gas “severed” from California land or water.

California is the only oil-producing state in the nation that lacks an oil/natural gas severance tax. A similar fund in Texas has successfully endowed public colleges and universities in that state since the 1800s.

This new funding would supplement – and not replace – existing state funding.

Click here to read the text of the bill online

View the news release

View the fact sheet

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AB 218: Public Records Access of Campus Auxiliaries

CFA position: Sponsor

Overview
Senate Bill (SB) 218 – sponsored by CFA and the California Newspaper Publishers Association – will update the California Public Records Act (CPRA) to include auxiliary organizations that receive public funds or perform government functions on state campuses.

CFA has historically supported increased accountability and transparency regarding the funding and operations of campus auxiliaries.

This bill would modify the CA Public Records Act (CPRA) to improve public access to information regarding campus auxiliaries (depending on how “auxiliary” is defined, could include campus bookstores, student unions, foundations, university enterprises and parking revenue funds, to name a few).

“Taxpayers and students deserve to know how their public universities are run,” said Yee. “SB 218 will ensure that our higher education systems operate in the light of day and thus are held accountable.”

John Travis, Chair of CFA’s Committee on Political Action and Legislation, commended the bill saying, “Placing college and university auxiliaries under the authority of the state's public records act will safeguard the use of public funds and provide much needed accountability and oversight to state policymakers.”

View the news release