Governor Eliot Spitzer's proposal for this year's state budget could lead to financial improvements in the City University schools.

His Jan. 31st proffering, which is currently under review by the State Legislature, included improvements in CUNY's operating and capital budgets.

The gross operating budget for CUNY would total $1.6 billion this year, which would be an increase of $71.8 million (4.6 percent) from four years ago. Spitzer promised that he would not create a proposal to increase tuition costs for the system. His mission, he said, is to provide affordable higher education throughout the city's urban campuses.

CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein said that it's the first stable budget the University has seen.

Support from the state and tuition revenue are the schools' main sources of funding. Goldstein is asking for an additional $24.3 million to operate the senior colleges as he plans to strengthen undergraduate and graduate programs, expand research facilities and enhance academic and student support.

Goldstein also recommended that the state allocate $5 million for community colleges to afford additional faculty, library support, and student services such as child care counseling, and services to students with disabilities.

In addition, Goldstein also suggested that any modifications to state financial aid programs be based on the students' needs in order to assist low-income families.

Brooklyn College President Christoph Kimmich said that the budget for the West Quad construction project is $126 million, but will cost the school only $8 million. "Our budget this year is in pretty good shape," he said.

The State Legislature is expected to complete and present a budget to CUNY by the end of this month.