California lawmakers’ socks ‘stand with CSU’

The state budget is not entirely done, and some state lawmakers are sending a message to Gov. Jerry Brown by wearing their priorities on their feet.

Last week, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León and a bipartisan group of legislators dressed up their suits with bright red socks to #StandWithCSU – a bold fashion statement that was part of a push by California State University to get more money.

Since a high-profile standoff between Brown and the University of California resulted in a boost to UC’s coffers in the May budget revision, many legislators have argued that the much-larger CSU system should benefit as well.

“Hey @JerryBrownGov it’s time to pull your socks up and give CSU an additional $97 million in funding,” Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, tweeted.

CSU is seeking another $97 million on top of a $119 million increase proposed by Brown. Lawmakers are poised to approve $70 million more than Brown, but he could veto all or part of that.

Several participants in the red sock campaign have close ties to CSU, including Sen. Marty Block, D-San Diego, a former professor at San Diego State University, and Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, a former university trustee.

Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, got creative and slung a pair over her laptop during floor session last Thursday.

This story was originally published June 10, 2015 at 7:45 PM.