California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed year‑over‑year increases for the state’s public higher education systems, signaling a significant shift from last year’s threatened cuts. The 2026–27 budget would boost UC by roughly $254.3 million (5%), Cal State by $264.8 million (5%), and community colleges by about $1.3 billion (9%). UC president James Milliken praised the proposal as critical support amid rising costs and federal funding uncertainties. The announcement comes as the University of California system reported record enrollment of more than 301,000 students this fall. System officials say increased state funding would help campuses manage enrollment growth, restore access for California residents and offset pressures from suspended federal research grants and other fiscal headwinds.