California State Auditor Elaine Howle released an analysis today of the California State University’s policies concerning salaries and benefits for current and retired executives.

Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Nunez called for the audit in July 2006. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee of the state Legislature requested the report.

The California State University “needs to strengthen its oversight and establish stricter policies for compensating current and former employees,” according to the report.

Although the report found that the actions of the CSU could not be considered illegal, CFA Political Action Chair John Travis said during a conference call that it’s not a question of illegality.

“(The CFA) thinks there are some legally questionable things, such as closed door meetings, (but the actions of the CSU) are what (the CFA) considers as mistakes,” he said.

CSU spokesperson Paul Browning said the CSU is very happy about the report.

“We’re glad that (the report) was fair and balanced. We plan to implement (the suggestions stated in the audit) as soon as feasible,” he said.

In October, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed Assembly Bill 1413, designed to set clear guidelines concerning the salaries and benefits of top CSU executives.

“Executive compensation contracts are currently approved in open meetings and last year CSU adopted changes to their transition pay program that are addressed in (the) bill,” he wrote in a letter to the members of the California State Assembly.

Assembly member Anthony Portantino said he plans to reintroduce AB 1413 to the legislature.

Princess Garnace can be reached at [email protected].