Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a multi‑hundred‑million dollar funding increase for California’s public higher education systems in his 2026–27 budget plan, reversing prior-year cuts. The University of California would see a $254.3 million (5%) base increase and the California State University a $264.8 million (5%) bump; community colleges would receive a 9% rise totaling $1.3 billion. UC President James Milliken publicly praised the proposal as critical aid amid enrollment growth and federal funding pressures. The governor’s plan ties part of the funding to a multiyear compact that asks institutions to deliver measurable gains in access, equity and affordability—terms trustees and academic leaders will need to operationalize as the Legislature negotiates the final budget.