This is the second year of reduced budgets from the state. Most workers are somewhat unaware of the financial crisis and go about their daily work. Some places have hiring freezes. No mass exodus of staff and faculty. Where would they go? It takes 4 years of working to become an employee, and many staff get let go at 3.5 years. CSULB and SDSU are the two major places that hire the most temporary employees. The environment for staff could be considered dreadful. We were promised raises in our last CBA negotiations, no the chancellor's office doesn't want to follow through as they think there is a way for them to claim that the CSU did not receive a complete budget, and they want to provide a $144M interest-free loan. So the CO doesn't want Steps or raises for staff. Same for 26-27 as the state reduces its contributions to the CSU and UC systems. Most staff and faculty are trying to survive. With such higher prices for everything and no raises, we are not in a space for professional development or growth. Luckily, CSULB keeps getting more students overall.