EDITOR: While many school districts are offering retirement incentives, the California State University (CSU) system drags its feet on this cost-saving measure. Assembly Bill 1253, which provides a "golden handshake" to CSU employees, predicts a savings of $50 million to $100 million, yet they give it "non-urgency" status. This means that it would not go into effect until after Jan. 1, 2004. The retirements this incentive would precipitate would not occur until the 2004/05 fiscal year.

The budget crisis exists now. Existing law allows the CSU to offer a golden handshake now, yet the CSU has apparently chosen to wait until the Legislature forces it to do it. At the same time, the CSU is planning to raise student fees to make up the budget shortfall. The CSU's strategy seems to be: (1) increase income by raising student fees now, (2) reduce expenditures through a golden handshake next year. A great way to do business -- increase revenues, then cut costs. But the CSU is not a business. It is supported by the citizens of California, and we should insist that they start by cutting costs, then increase fees if need be.

A golden handshake offered before the next school year begins will save money now and help save the jobs of temporary faculty.

ROBERT G. PLANTZ