Yesterday, California Governor Schwarzenegger promised the state’s colleges and universities that he will veto any state budget that does not include additional funding for higher education and the financial aid awards known as Cal Grants.

The Governor made this promise at a meeting with a dozen top administrators and student leaders from the University of California, California State University, and California’s Community Colleges systems.

Schwarzenegger proposed a $224 million increase in general fund spending for higher education for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Many in Sacramento argue that the Governor’s veto is premature, since the Governor has not yet released his revised budget which is expected in May.