Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger showed strong support for the CSU’s commitment to quality education and transparency in its administration by vetoing AB 1413, which was redundant to current practice.

“We are pleased the Governor has vetoed AB 1413,” said Chancellor Charles B. Reed, in response to the Governor’s action. “The California State University’s practice to vote on all executive compensation matters in public session and new limits adopted last year on executive transition programs rendered AB 1413 largely redundant and unnecessary.”

AB 1413 (Portantino), which if passed would have simply restated current CSU policy on executive compensation, and would have also allowed staff of Board of Trustee ex-officio members to attend in their board members’ place. The bill has been opposed by CSU since its introduction and the CSU has felt strongly that the role of ex-officio board members is important and one that shouldn’t be played by an alternate or staff member. CSU has worked with the author’s office continually throughout the legislative process to try and come to a compromise to no avail.

“California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees’ meetings are already open to the public and therefore, it is unnecessary to statutorily authorize a staff person to attend in a member’s absence,” stated Governor Schwarzenegger in his veto message.

The Governor also continued to support the CSU’s current transparency during board meetings and this hiring process of executives.

“I do not believe that we should be micromanaging the hiring practices at University of California or the California State University system, in ways that may hamper their ability to hire quality instructors and administrators,” continued Schwarzenegger.

“We remain committed to operating the CSU with the highest possible level of transparency and accountability to students, taxpayers, policymakers and the public,” continued Chancellor Reed.