Leaders from the University of Colorado (CU) and other higher education institutions in the state addressed the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) last week, urging lawmakers to maintain investment in higher education despite an $800 million shortfall in the state budget. The testimony took place ahead of the start of Colorado’s 2026 legislative session.
CU President Todd Saliman brought together shared governance leaders to participate in the hearing, making CU the only university leader in Colorado to do so this year. Those joining Saliman included Faculty Council Chair Jorge Chavez, Staff Council Co-Chairs Ja’Net Hurt and Kimberly Slavsky, Intercampus Student Forum Vice Chair Camden Sharkey, and Board of Regents Chair Callie Rennison.
Rennison thanked the JBC for last year’s funding, which helped control tuition increases at CU and other institutions. She stated: “Investments from the state are critical to support our students. The Board of Regents is focused on student success – in particular, improving student retention and graduation rates for all our students – and supporting our employees to recognize the incredible work of our staff and faculty. This is paramount, as we want to do all we can to ensure that CU reflects all of Colorado’s communities and is a top choice for Colorado high school graduates.”
The governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 leaves a gap of over $58 million below what is needed for base core minimum costs at higher education institutions statewide. This shortfall adds pressure on universities like CU to offer competitive salaries and manage cost-of-living adjustments for thousands of employees while also trying to keep tuition affordable.
Hurt told lawmakers: “Your support in funding the full base core minimum cost increase will help the university recruit and, more importantly, retain talented and dedicated staff who serve our students and support our faculty. To remain a competitive employer and economic driver in the state, we must adequately compensate our employees.”
Faculty Council Chair Chavez emphasized salary pressures faced by both faculty and non-faculty staff: “It takes people to educate people, and in partnership with university staff and leadership, faculty maintains a core focus on supporting student success. Faculty face the same inflationary salary pressures that our non-faculty staff face. The university also has the added challenge of competing with the pay offered by peer institutions and outside industries.”
Student representative Sharkey highlighted how stable funding helps keep college accessible: “Many students take out loans to afford an education. Your investment keeps college accessible and tuition stable for me, my friends and fellow students. Additionally, your support helps fund compensation for the faculty we learn from and staff we rely on … who help us pursue our dreams.”
Other higher education leaders present included Paul Johnson from Colorado School of Mines, Tony Frank from Colorado State University, and Andy Feinstein from University of Northern Colorado. They echoed calls for adequate funding amid ongoing budget constraints.
Saliman told committee members: “We understand the pressure you’re under. Our request is that you consider (higher education) the same way you consider other state agencies when you’re thinking about the core components of operating: compensation, benefits and inflation. You know better than anyone that your decisions have a direct impact on us and our ability to keep tuition in check, pay our employees and maintain our facilities. We thank you for your support in the past and humbly ask that you do what you can to dig deep for us again this year.”
During their remarks, Saliman noted that CU alone generated $12.2 billion in economic impact across Colorado last year through its educational programs, research activities, healthcare services, business operations, alumni earnings power within local communities as well as its role training much-needed workers.
The group’s statements were consistent with points made earlier this month in a joint letter sent by higher education leaders statewide to JBC members.
The 2026 legislative session began Wednesday; it will run until May 13.
For more information about CU’s State Government Relations Team or current legislation related to higher education visit cu.edu/office-government-relations/state-relations.
