Assemblymember Alvarez Issues Statement on the May Revision of the Budget and Need for Cal Grant Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        

May 20, 2024

Contact: Cynthia Yepez

Cynthia.Yepez@asm.ca.gov

(916) 319-2080

Assemblymember Alvarez Issues Statement on the May Revision of the Budget and Need for Cal Grant Reform

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) issued the following statement on Governor Newsom’s May Revision of the 2024-25 budget and Cal Grant Reform:

“As policymakers in California, we believe that higher education should be accessible to every student who wants to further their education and skills. Especially in times of a budget shortfall, it is critically important to invest in our students and our workforce for the future. We know that the only way to achieve true equity and shared economic prosperity is to continue to invest in the people who are working to build a better life for themselves and their families.

Moving forward, we are committed to engaging with our legislative colleagues, as well as Governor Newsom and his administration, in crafting a state budget that reflects the short and long-term benefits of investing in education and supporting initiatives that empower students from all backgrounds to pursue higher education without financial barriers.

It is important that in this budget year we invest in Cal Grant reforms to set us up for success in the next budget year. This critical investment makes higher education more inclusive. Today, our system leaves out tens of thousands of low-income students, particularly those that are Latino, African-American, or returning adult learners. Despite generous investments that have expanded opportunities for those that can currently qualify, we still leave out far too many students.  

We simply can’t afford to leave people behind during difficult budget times. California will build a more just economy, and reliable revenue base, by ensuring consistent, affordable access to the opportunities unlocked by higher education. This is not only a crucial investment in our students, but in our state as well.”

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The 80th Assembly District includes the communities of Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Sherman Heights, Lincoln Acres, Bonita, Otay Mesa and San Ysidro, along with the cities of Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach.

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