 However, supporters of the move claim it would make Rutgers more comparable to large, prestigious state universities such as the University of Michigan and University of California and private institutions such as Stanford University which have been touted for balancing their academic reputation with athletic success.In the writing of New Jersey's 2006 state budget, the state legislature cut $66 million from the government's appropriations to Rutgers.The university responded by reducing several classes, laying off staff and junior faculty, and closing several programs.